My name is Kay de Silva, I’m the founder of The Warm Heart Adventures, Ltd.
I’m a Malawian woman that has been working in various hospitality sectors for nearly 20 years. I’m permanently based on Lake Malawi and run three businesses.
I work as Managing Director and Tour Leader at The Warm Heart Adventures ltd. which is a tour operator and small, beachfront bed and breakfast. We’re based in Chembe Village, Cape Maclear, Mangochi. On the southern shores of Lake Malawi.
I started working in the travel industry after II saw a job application in a newspaper for a public relations officer in Malawi's first Casino. I had no formal training for this role but when I read the job responsibilities I recognized I had the skills. In my new hospitality role I found a space to flourish.
My experience in the industry as a woman has been such a personal journey of growth. I’m so grateful for every good and bad experience through the years that has made me who I am today. Coming from a patriarchal culture and society, I often find myself surrounded by men. I learned to speak up and learned the skills that got me a seat at whichever table I needed to be at to forward my dreams.
It was not always easy but here I am, living my dream. I have met people from all over the world and learned how to deliver an enjoyable experience to people from different nationalities and cultures. It has been a roller coaster of highs and lows. The pandemic being the lowest point – but we survived through it and look forward to a new year with new travelers.
Joining this industry is the best thing I ever did. I didn’t always feel supported or represented as a woman and, through the years, it has been one of my gripes of being a female entrepreneur in a small, developing country. That being said, In my journey of personal growth, I have learnt that these challenges have made me a better person, made me stronger and better at my job.
Every win has taught me to stop worrying and that I’m capable – and when I don’t have the knowledge or skills to deal with a new hurdle all I have to do is go out there and acquire them personally or ask someone to help.
I’ve never felt more independent and empowered as I do today and I work hard to introduce other women to this industry so they too can gain a similar independence to myself.
Education is the key to empowerment.
It’s important for young girls to see local representation that they can identify with, filling roles that have been filled by men historically.
It’s important for women in travel to find dedicated spaces offering support, training and financing to assist them through hurdles they may come across.
It’s important for local authorities to be educated and sensitized on how to provide support and give space in their communities.
Many women have had to fight hard to be seen, recognised and to take part in building their society. These contributions deserve recognition. All women’s contributions deserve recognition!
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