Hello, readers, my name is Guida and I manage WeTravel’s global offices – and more than 150 employees, representing more than 40 nationalities and more than 50 percent identifying as women.
I am a Portugal native, but my career has taken me to Ireland and, most recently, Amsterdam where I work daily with incredible employees as WeTravel’s Office Manager.
This Women’s History Month, it’s my pleasure to share with you more about my experience as a woman in travel, working in several European countries.
Guida SorribasWHY DID YOU FIRST START WORKING IN THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY?
Honestly, I first started working in the travel industry because of the lack of opportunities in my original study field. I full-time joined the labor market out of university, during one of the worst unemployment crises my country has experienced. I started my career as a front desk host for a hotel, where I then worked for four years. In that role, I got to interact with many women+ travelers, from across the world, with fascinating stories. It motivated me to continue to work in the industry and to support, however I can, women+ through travel.
SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A FEMALE+ WORKING IN THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY
Since my first days as a hotel receptionist, I was always inspired by interacting with international people, and learning more about their experiences.
Mostly, though, it was my first time ever meeting solo female+ travelers. These women+ inspired me to expand my horizons and travel more myself. From there, I moved to two countries and have traveled to many more; I often thank these women+ for sharing the world with me, so I, too, can experience it.
However, working as a woman+ in travel has not always been easy, to write the least. When I started in the hotel business, nearly 15 years ago, there weren't open discussions about the gender pay gap (in my surroundings, at least), which everyone knew was horrific in our industry. We all knew it existed but it was just assumed it was "normal". As a back-office administrator of a hotel, I clearly saw the disparity – and I wanted to change it. One day, very abruptly, I asked my male manager why two male colleagues–in a similar role, and same tenure–had higher salaries than I. There wasn’t a legitimate reason. It was a wake-up call to me – I had to fight with my employer for equal pay to a male counterpart.
AS A WOMAN+, DO YOU FEEL SUPPORTED AND REPRESENTED IN THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY?
Unfortunately, I feel there remains strong female+ representation in almost every industry – and the travel industry isn’t an exception. However, I also feel bigger–and more genuine–efforts are being made toward diversifying in all its importance the industry. We’re seeing more female+ executives, more female+-specific tours and travel businesses, more women+ organizations and leadership. I see it as a positive thing, but I strongly believe more has to be done.
HOW CAN THE INDUSTRY BETTER EMPOWER WOMEN+ IN TRAVEL THIS YEAR?
It starts with a consciousness that women’s stories are history – we are important. Be conscious that we all have different paths and struggles, we all have different strengths. Empower the women+ around you – personally and professionally. Provide safe spaces to grow, to travel and to learn. Women+: Share your story, inspire others through mentorship.
IN YOUR WORDS, WHAT DOES WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH MEAN TO YOU?
I think Women's History Month is vital and exists for a good reason: The need to keep aware of historical issues that still exist when they shouldn't. Starting with recognition is the first step to change, I believe.
In Europe, as far as I know, much still isn’t done for Women’s History Month – and that should change. The tradition in Portugal is for women+ on International Women’s Day to organize dinners with their friends and receive flowers from the men in their life.
In my mother's and grandmother’s generations, this was the only opportunity many women+ had to go out and have fun with their female+ friends during the year. For my generation this doesn't make much sense, we have the freedom to go out with our friends when we wish – but we don’t always recognize the impact women+ have had on global history and our world today. So, two of my close friends and I take Women’s History Month as a time to, every year, celebrate women+ by reading feminist stories, doing a craft related to what we read and discussing the implications the stories have on our lives, today. To me, that’s what Women’s History Month is all about.
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