Women in Tourism Conference 2026

Welcome from the KAWT leadership

Welcome to the official publication for the Women in Tourism Conference 2026, convened by the Kenya Association of Women in Tourism (KAWT).

Tourism and hospitality is one of Kenya’s largest employers and one of the sectors with the highest participation of women. Women work across accommodation, tour operations, travel agencies, airlines, restaurants, conservation, community tourism, events and the informal tourism economy.

Despite this contribution, many continue to face Gender-Based Violence (GBV): sexual harassment, workplace intimidation, discrimination, exploitation, online harassment and abuse of power.

16 Days of Activism

The annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, observed from 25th November to 10th December, brings together industry leaders, policymakers, employers, development partners, civil society and tourism professionals to address GBV in the workplace.

GBV violates human rights. It also harms employee wellbeing, productivity, staff retention, business reputation and the sustainability of the industry. With partners including the Kenya Union of Domestic, Hotels, Educational Institutions and Hospitals Workers (KUDHEIHA), KAWT is moving from dialogue to concrete institutional reform.

Why this conference, why now

Reports and lived experience across the sector point to persistent sexual harassment, abuse of authority, bullying, gender discrimination and limited psychosocial support for survivors.

Structural gaps

• No whistleblower channels: few secure, anonymous options such as toll-free helplines or encrypted portals.
• Leadership imbalance: male-dominated structures often discourage survivors from speaking out.
• Fear of legal retaliation: large court awards to accused perpetrators have a chilling effect on reporting.
• Cultural bias: stereotypes that normalise inappropriate conduct.

On Labour Day 2025, Cabinet Secretary Dr. Alfred Mutua publicly acknowledged the scale of workplace sexual harassment in Kenya, underscoring the need for sector-wide reform.

Goal and objectives

Goal: promote safe, inclusive and violence-free workplaces in Kenya’s tourism and hospitality industry through policy dialogue, awareness, strategic partnerships and practical action.

1. Raise awareness of GBV dynamics in tourism workplaces.
2. Promote zero tolerance of sexual harassment and workplace abuse.
3. Strengthen capacity of managers and HR to prevent, detect and handle cases.
4. Share best practices from Kenya and globally.
5. Adopt survivor-centred policies with transparent, confidential reporting.
6. Support mental health through counselling and Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs).
7. Build multi-sector coalitions across government, business, unions and civil society.
8. Drive policy reform with concrete recommendations.

Agenda: Panels 1–3

Venue: Morning Plenary Session Hall, The Trademark Hotel Conference Center.

Agenda: Panels 4–6

Launch of the KAWT Safe Tourism Workplace Charter

A voluntary industry commitment to end workplace GBV. The conference culminates in the launch of a charter through which tourism and hospitality businesses pledge to adopt minimum standards for preventing and responding to workplace GBV.

Public stage signing

In the closing session, CEOs, managing directors, board chairs, hotel general managers and association leaders will sign the Charter live on stage, building public accountability and encouraging adoption across East Africa.

Core commitments

• Zero-tolerance policy publicly displayed in all operational properties.
• Mandatory annual anti-harassment training for staff at every level.
• Guaranteed confidential, multi-channel reporting.
• Protection against retaliation for whistleblowers and complainants.

Safe Tourism certification roadmap

KAWT intends to develop a Safe Tourism Workplace Certification Programme, with independent audits against Charter standards and tiered recognition.

Strategic goal: turn the Charter from a symbolic pledge into a practical framework for continuous improvement across Kenya and East Africa.

Delegates and stakeholders

About 100 to 150 participants from across the hospitality and tourism ecosystem.

Key stakeholders

• Ministry of Tourism & Wildlife
• State Department for Gender Affairs
• Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA)
• Kenya Tourism Board (KTB)
• Tourism Fund (TF)
• Kenya Tourism Federation (KTF)

Industry decision makers

• Hotel general managers and HR practitioners
• Tour operators and travel agencies
• KUDHEIHA trade union leaders
• County tourism officers
• Academia and researchers

Sponsorship and partnership

• Financial: Platinum, Gold and Silver tiers.
• Exhibition space: safety solutions, HR tools, wellness services.
• Delegate sponsorship: young women professionals and union delegates.
• Media and wellness partners: in-kind coverage and counselling support.

Organisers and brand partners