We all know that the hotel industry started many years ago, and it is clear that women have worked there since the beginning. But at present, it has become a big problem whether they get equal security and livelihood for the people who work in the hotel industry. There should be a comprehensive discussion of that, and this article explains to some extent the jobs and women’s safety in the hotel industry.
The hotel industry can be introduced as a main branch of the tourism industry. According to the Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), 54% of women work in the tourism industry. It is above the average of 39% of the world’s female workforce. Likewise, according to the ILO (International Labor Organization), 55% of women work in the world’s hotel industry.
But according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the hotel industry has a staff turnover of 73.8% and every year, 70% of professionals related to the hotel industry worldwide leave their jobs. Most of those employees are women. It is pointed out that the average turnover of women employees in 2021 is 80%. Similarly, it has been discovered that there is more staff turnover in the hotel industry in the front office and housekeeping departments, where women work more.
Several factors mainly influence women to leave hotel jobs.
Underpayment of wages – Comparatively, it has been found that women are not paid the same as men for doing the same work.
Sexual Harassment – Surveys have shown that male workplace sexual harassment is more common among women, making it an unsafe place for women to work.
Long hours – allowing men to work longer hours without additional pay.
Uncertainty about career future – Women in many organizations have been found to need more opportunities for career advancement. Likewise, no matter how well they work, they are not guaranteed the same jobs as men.
It is reported that many organizations worldwide are working to protect women from these problems. Among them, The International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention Act 189. This has focused on women’s wages, working hours, health and safety.
Likewise, The ILO Convention 190 has focused on the violence and harassment that can happen to women in the workplace and the protection of women from them.
The UN Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) has taken measures to prevent discrimination against women, and 189 countries have accepted it.
However, in addition to all these acts and institutions, the framework of laws and regulations varies from country to country and institution. But everyone openly admits that everyone is committed to protecting women’s lives.
However, despite all these, most women face the problematic situations mentioned above. Avoiding the above mention matters, educating women, providing proper training, developing their personality, and treating them equally and correctly should be done in all hotels.