Neliswa Nkani, Hub Head – MEISEA, South African Tourism says that women were looked at as second-class citizens for most of history. She feels that there is a need to elevate our younger talent – especially women to develop them as future leaders.
How important is IWD for you and why?
While women should be celebrated each day, I believe that International Women’s Day proves to be an effective platform to have conversations that really matter. There is no denying that women were looked at as second-class citizens for most of history. We have lots of catching up to do! And that starts with acknowledging needs, taking notes while listening and implementing effective changes.
Do you really think that women, in a fast-changing technology and modern age, needs empowerment? How did you develop confidence in yourself?
Every individual needs to be empowered! I developed confidence due to the many, many voices that motivated me, nourished me, believed in me and supported my journey. Amongst all these voices, mine was the loudest! I truly believe in the power of positive thought patterns and try to be my own biggest cheerleader and kindest critic.
According to me, the greatest hurdle is fear; cause in the end, it is the only thing that holds us back. Some risks may be greater than others, but all things that matter usually come at a cost. So, step away from fear – be fearless. At the end of the day, fear is nothing but the unknown. Put in the research, the time and the groundwork, and watch solutions emerge! Anything that does not speak is not a challenge.
While women constitute 54% of the work force in global travel, tourism and hospitality industry. This percentage is abysmally low at the top level?
I am so glad you asked! While more and more women are joining us, the travel industry is predominantly led by males, especially at the C-suite levels. More importantly, they are majorly led by the 50+ demographic. Very rarely do I come across a 35-year-old CEO. Yet huge chunks of our target markets are millennials, and sometimes we speak to them in a language they do not understand.
We need to elevate our younger talent – especially women, and we need to do it now. They know what they want, they know how to get there – all they need is some grooming and the opportunity to showcase the change that fresh thinking can bring.
What sort of challenges do you face at workplace as well as balancing work-family life?
It is so easy to lose ourselves and our essence, in the daily hustle of life. But I have learnt to look within – we can only give what we have, so to make an impact on society we must first work on ourselves.
At the end of a long day, I make sure to de-stress. De-stressing, for me, is an internal process. I usually journal and put things down on paper to get more clarity and clear my mind – plus I believe that writing always lends a different perspective. If our mind is aligned and organized, it makes balancing work, family and personal time easier.
One school of thought suggests that women themselves are one of the hindrances in the growth of the women. What is your take on this?
I strongly disagree with the ideology. The travel industry is one which has nurtured its women leaders over the years, empowering and encouraging them to spread their wings. I couldn’t be prouder of what we as a community of women leaders have achieved and it heartens me to see the camaraderie shared across the industry with women becoming strong support and motivation systems for each other.
As with any role in life, women will continue forging the future of travel with their quiet strength and impeccable work ethic – all in solidarity with each other.
What are your suggestions to the younger generation?
Before the next generation become leaders, they are travellers. They need to start packaging for themselves.
I would also say – be deliberate, claim your space, own it, show it! Work hard, pay your dues, push harder to get where you need to be – but never, never compromise who you are and where you come from. You are the reflection of the hands that raised you, that should show-up in all that you do.
