Industry Experts Discuss Empowering Women in Hospitality, Focusing on Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Obstacles, and Opportunities

March 9, 2024

9:03 am

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Industry experts are offering valuable insights on the Inclusion of Women in Hospitality. They will discuss the progress made in empowering and involving women in the hospitality sector, covering leadership positions, entrepreneurship, and the current obstacles and prospects. Happy International Women’s Day to all the incredible women out there! #InspireInclusion.

Nita Kapoor

CEO, International Spirits and Wines Association of India (ISWAI)

“This International Women’s Day, let’s redefine success. It’s not just about shattering glass ceilings, it’s about building a world where every ceiling is within reach for all women. By empowering women in under-represented sectors, we unlock the full potential of our businesses, communities, and the world itself.”

Vishal Kamat

Executive Director, Kamat Hotels (India)

I wholeheartedly recognize the indispensable role of women in the hospitality sector. Hospitality is deeply ingrained in Indian culture, often passed down through generations, with mothers instilling the ethos of treating guests as gods ‘’Atithi Deva Bhava’’. I’ve seen firsthand how women ensure guests are well taken care of, whether through providing food or quick snacks, embodying the essence of Indian hospitality.

It’s heartening to witness the increasing presence of women in hospitality, a testament to evolving societal norms and greater empowerment of young girls. This trend is not limited to hospitality but extends to traditionally male-dominated fields like engineering, demonstrating women’s capabilities and determination.

I believe this growing participation of women heralds progress and opportunity. Their unique perspectives and skills enrich the industry, fostering innovation and inclusivity. As an industry, it’s essential to nurture and support this trend, ensuring equal opportunities for women to thrive. By embracing diversity and empowering women, we can further enhance the hospitality sector’s reputation and contribute to its continued growth and success.

Shubhi Singh,

Chef and Co-founder, The Cookie Dough Cake Cafe

“I want to extend my heartfelt wishes to all the inspiring women entrepreneurs and changemakers in the food and hospitality sector. India proudly houses 63 million MSMEs, with an encouraging 20 percent of them being owned and operated by women entrepreneurs. The rapid growth in the number of women-led businesses projects a significant shift in the business and entrepreneurial landscape of the country.

Same momentum and growth is reflected in the food and hospitality sector with growing number of home-grown food outlets, women-led restaurants are taking their piece of market share with amazing cuisines and top-notch services.”

Teja Chekuri,

Managing Partner at Ironhill India & Global Restaurateur

From Stereotypes to Success: Women’s Role in Transforming Hospitality

In recent years, the hospitality industry has made remarkable progress in promoting gender equality across various sectors. Women have increasingly assumed leadership roles and venturing into entrepreneurship, shaping the industry’s landscape. In leadership, women have broken traditional barriers and ascended to prominent positions, bringing diverse perspectives. Their participation has enriched decision-making processes and fostered innovation. The introduction of mentorship and leadership development programs has also catalyzed the representation of women in executive suites and boardrooms.

Women’s entrepreneurship is booming, with innovative services driving economic growth and transforming industry norms. However, gender pay gaps and underrepresentation are ongoing concerns. In hospitality, women face challenges balancing work and personal life and defying gender stereotypes. It is heartening to see organizations increasingly prioritizing diversity and inclusion to promote innovation and enhance competitiveness. Also, we should note that empowerment programs are being developed to equip women with the skills and resources to surmount industry obstacles and seize opportunities.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day 2024, let us reaffirm our commitment to inspire inclusion in the hospitality sector. By championing diversity, fostering inclusive cultures, and amplifying women’s voices, we can create a more equitable and vibrant industry where every individual has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to its collective sucess.

Pratiti Rajpal

General Manager, Ronil Goa – Hyatt JDV

Ronil Goa, the first JdV by Hyatt hotel in India and Southwest Asia, celebrated International Women’s Day with colleagues and guests, under the #WomenAtHyatt umbrella to #InspireInclusion. The celebrations and commitment will continue through the year and many initiatives have been in place ever since the hotel opened its doors in December 2023.

In collaboration with Svay Goa, under #WomenAtHyatt Diversity Business Resource Group, Ronil Goa celebrated International Women’s day with a day full of engaging sessions, interactions and experiences for the vivacious women.

The day began with a recap of Hyatt’s Commitment to Change Starts Here and an introduction to our women led partners and vendors, followed by a Sound Healing session with Smriti Makharia. , renowned sound therapist from Mumbai. Next up was a session on grooming and self-care by Sayli Nageshkar, a professional makeup artist based in Goa. The lunch menu was designed around the most favourite food items chosen by our female colleagues and prepared with love by our loving chefs. Svay Goa team engaged with our colleagues in personalized sessions on Mental Wellbeing led by Neha Naik Khaunte, Counselling Psychologist/M.A in Psychology/PGD in guidance and counselling; Eating Well & Eating Right by Nikisha Shetye, MSc Clinical Nutrition from Symbiosis with specialisation in Weight Loss & Diabetes Management. The team also made their own ‘Vision Board’ – to help visualize their success through the representation of what they want or hope to achieve. This helps create a positive and powerful image in the mind, making it easier to believe in your ability to achieve your goals. The last event of the day was a movie experience followed by cocktails and canapes as the colleagues were handed over sustainable tote bags with thoughtful surprises inside for them to cherish for days to come.

Ronil Goa is committed to support and promote women-led businesses and organizations, and has made conscious choices across the hotel.

TukTuk was started a decade ago by Bharati Marwaha Kumar. She is a warm and affable personality, traits that are embodied in her shop. The team consists of only women. TukTuk’s objective is to provide a platform and opportunity to various NGOs, self-help groups, women entrepreneurs and start-ups to showcase their products, with the intention of giving back at every step. The products are proudly made in India and ethically sourced. by working with brands like Tuk Tuk Goa. Ronil Goa showcases the products the Hyatt Loves Local shop at the boutique resort.

Siesta o Clock is another brand led by Rene and Vaibhav that one can find at the shop at ROnil Goa. They made Goa-inspired prints that have made their way on to men’s, women’s and kids

shirts along with some dresses. All crafted in super breathable, summer-friendly fabrics, the clothes speak to anyone on the lookout for comfort along with style.

There are many other women-led organizations like Tea Trunk teas, Opine, Sirohi & more where we continue to buy from and support in our humble way.

S Sriram

General Manager at Feathers, A Radha Hotel

As we navigate the evolving landscape of hospitality, it’s crucial to spotlight the pivotal role women play in shaping our industry’s future. Women bring unmatched spirit and vigor, essential for our growth. Their diverse perspectives, resilience, and attention to detail enhance the guest experience and drive innovation.

In recent years, the industry has made strides in fostering gender diversity and inclusion. However, challenges such as gender bias and limited leadership opportunities persist. It’s incumbent upon us to dismantle these barriers and create an environment where women thrive.

Looking ahead, I envision a future where women occupy more leadership roles, driving innovation and shaping industry trends. By fostering mentorship and equal opportunities, we can unlock their full potential.

At Feathers Hotel, we are committed to championing diversity and inclusion. Through targeted initiatives and training programs, we’ll create a supportive environment for women to excel. In conclusion, the future of women in hospitality is promising. By embracing diversity and inclusion, we can create a more vibrant and successful industry for all.

Chef soma

holiday inn Express Bommasandra Bangalore

How female chefs are taking the food industry by storm in India

Women all around the world are carving a niche for themselves in all the different sectors of society, and Indian women are not to be left behind when it comes to proving their mettle, especially in the F&B industry. With the term ‘Women in kitchen’ attaining multi-dimensional meaning in today’s world, the face of the hospitality industry is on its way to making progress as women entrepreneurs and achievers work their way through to the top in the hospitality industry – particularly the F&B segment.While a woman is considered to be the kitchen queen at home she faces many challenges along the way to be able to make an impressionable mark in the male-dominated kitchens of the F&B segment of the hospitality industry. Starting right from the delicious treats, inventive recipes, untimely cravings and regular meals – each of us has had all that sorted since our childhood. All thanks to the women in the house, taking care of everything. It was time that a professional touch was given to what the women have been doing like a pro all this while. Women have aggressively pushed forward to gain their due status in the F&B industry. This is especially true while looking at the examples of exemplary women restaurateurs who are, at present, changing the face of the Indian hospitality industry with their unique and delectable concepts. This will not only result in equality of roles in the industry but also, offer more talented chefs which will ultimately aid in the growth of the Indian culinary and baking industry. Therefore, it becomes all the more important for women to be supported to showcase their skills and potential to the world while capitalising on their talent and making a space for themselves in the food industry.

The notion of fewer women in the kitchens is a changing one, with more women coming forward to challenge the status quo. Today, an extensive number of women run their very own businesses and manage luxury hotel kitchens. Incorporating a diverse workforce with due representation of both male and female genders provides industry leaders and companies with diverse insights into the general population and their overall customer base producing better results and also, driving innovations.

While a woman is considered to be the kitchen queen at home she faces many challenges along the way to be able to make an impressionable mark in the male-dominated kitchens of the F&B segment of the hospitality industry. Starting right from the delicious treats, inventive recipes, untimely cravings and regular meals – each of us has had all that sorted since our childhood. All thanks to the women in the house, taking care of everything. It was time that a professional touch was given to what the women have been doing like a pro all this while. Women have aggressively pushed forward to gain their due status in the F&B industry. This is especially true while looking at the examples of exemplary women restaurateurs who are, at present, changing the face of the Indian hospitality industry with their unique and delectable concepts. This will not only result in equality of roles in the industry but also, offer more talented chefs which will

ultimately aid in the growth of the Indian culinary and baking industry. Therefore, it becomes all the more important for women to be supported to showcase their skills and potential to the world while capitalising on their talent and making a space for themselves in the food industry.

The ground for ladies to make a mark in the Food and Beverage industry was prepared by female chefs with grit and determination. With this, women chefs have already proved their ability by being both chefs and chef-owner entrepreneurs, while handling both with utter grace and dedication. There has been a steady incline in female representation and leaders in F&B, and there is only room for more.

Raksha Jadhav

Commi III Continental Cuisine, The Orchid Hotel, Pune

At The Orchid Hotel Pune, challenges are not seen as hurdles but as opportunities for teamwork and growth. Our kitchen thrives on collaboration, turning tasks into collective triumphs.

While challenges may arise, such as timing intricate plating or ensuring seamless coordination, our team faces them united. The support of colleagues transforms difficulties into shared victories. Whether it’s a bustling dinner rush or an unexpected mishap, we stand together, fortified by our culinary unity.

In our kitchen, challenges are not mere obstacles but catalysts for fellowship. Each member contributes their expertise, turning adversity into opportunity. Through shared strength and determination, we emerge stronger, ready to conquer any culinary quest that lies ahead. At The Orchid, challenges are met with a spirit of unity, shaping not only our dishes but also our bonds as a team.

Rubina Sharma

EAM Room and Business Development, Eros Hotel, Nehru Place, New Delhi

The hospitality sector has evolved 360 degrees since I joined the sector as a fresher. While the sector has presented many amazing opportunities and occasions to me to showcase the best of my abilities and excel it won’t be true if I say there were no challenges especially in the aspects such as gender diversity and inclusion. I have seen a number of incidences of gender imbalances in the last 10-15 years. In addition to this another challenge that women face is wage disparity and are primarily involved in carrying out the tasks assigned to them by senior management. But the good part is that things are significantly changing and women are becoming an integral part of the sector. They now are heading departments and have a significant role in decision-making. There is a transformation in mindset of the corporate and management as a lot of hospitality businesses have actively started hiring women for senior roles. Hotels are also implementing policies to prevent discrimination and harassment, promoting diversity in recruitment and hiring practices, and fostering inclusive company cultures so that women feel valued and appreciated. As companies continue to prioritize diversity and inclusion and as societal attitudes towards gender equality evolve, the future landscape of the hospitality industry is likely to become more accommodating and inclusive.

Anshu Mordia

FCM Travel India’s, Human Resource Leader

More Women in Boardrooms

More women in boardrooms and executive committees make it a more inclusive workforce, one that instils confidence and inspiration for other female colleagues.

Anshu Mordia, FCM Travel India’s Human Resource Leader, believes this starts with employers shifting their mindset.

She shares her experiences from working with an automaker, to how India is progressing with gender equality. However, it’s not at the required rate.

Start with the Basics

I had never imagined the state of gender equality at a workplace could be assessed with a bare minimum necessity.

A few years ago, while I was working with a reputed Indian automotive company, one of my earlier projects involved auditing the human resource practices of its dealers in India. I had just completed my MBA in Human Resource Development & Management and was determined to prove myself, understand the dealership framework in India, and recommend improvements from my audit. I travelled across the length and breadth of India and went into the deep pockets of rural India such as Burdwan, Sikar, Rudrapur, Palawal, Sangli, and more.

During my audit at one of the dealers, things took an interesting turn when I had to use the washroom. I was shocked to see there was none! A necessity as basic as a washroom for females was not there. This highlighted two things – firstly, there were no female employees in male-dominated dealerships and secondly, the ignorance of dealers that no women would visit them.

Quickly after the audit, female washrooms became mandatory across all dealers of the automaker. It stirred something within me that became a quest, increasing female participation in workplaces.

A Constant Battle

The inclusion of women in the workforce has improved, but it is progressing too slowly. It will remain a constant battle to be fought fiercely.

Gender equality is one of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for the entire world, and as per the United Nations the world is not on track to achieve it by 2030. It will take 140 years to achieve equal representation in leadership in the workplace if we keep proceeding at the current rate.

In India, one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, the pursuit of gender diversity remains both a critical imperative and a persistent challenge. While strides have been made in recent years that have improved the female workforce participation rate in the country to 37% in 2023 vs 32.8% in 2022, significant barriers continue to hinder progress.

The Gender Gap Report 2023 report put India in the lower rungs on providing even access for men and women on economic participation and opportunity, with less than 40% parity. While parity in wages and income has improved, the share of women in senior positions and technical roles has dropped.

The Mindset War

To keep the momentum, it is important to first work on the mindset.

The deep-rooted cultural norms and stereotypes often dictate traditional gender roles, leading to bias in hiring, promotion, and leadership opportunities.

· According to a report from Deloitte, most women in India feel their organisation is not taking concrete steps to fulfil its commitment to gender diversity.

· Nearly half of women say their organisation’s commitment to supporting women has not increased in the past year.

In such scenarios, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programmes can close gender gaps. These initiatives can start by broadening the focus of business owners. The World Economic Forum’s 2023 Future of Jobs Survey states:

· More than two-thirds of the organisations surveyed have implemented a DEI programme.

· 79% of companies are implementing DEI programmes with a focus on women.

I believe such programmes can remove unconscious bias, provide organisations with more opportunities to hire skilled workforce and increase profits. Giving deserving women a seat at the table also helps build a more educated and unbiased society.

FCM Leading by Example

Gender diversity fosters a positive work environment. It sends a powerful message that everyone, regardless of their gender, has equal opportunities to grow and thrive within the organisation.

At FCM, there is a strong leadership commitment to build a more diverse and inclusive workplace, setting the tone for the organisation’s culture and practices. We are focused on conducting regular sessions to raise awareness about unconscious bias and promote inclusive behaviours among employees and managers.

We have improved our diversity to 25%, managerial level stands at 20% with leadership at 29%. The company launched a WomenWise programme to encourage and fast-track

women employees in an immersive leadership development program which prepared them to be successful in their first major management role by learning tools and techniques to lead themselves and their teams more effectively.

That said, gender diversity at FCM in India still requires a concerted effort to challenge ingrained stereotypes and foster inclusive cultures. By recognising the benefits of diversity, implementing effective strategies, and prioritising gender equality, we are ready to create an environment where all employees, regardless of gender, have equal opportunities to succeed and thrive.

I hope for a world where women can rise and lead, not just because of their gender but because of their exceptional skills and talents!

Shareen Bhatia,

Country Head – Business Solutions & Marcom, Embassy Services Pvt. Ltd.

Celebrating the broader transformation in women’s roles across society. From the confines of traditional expectations to the heights of innovation and leadership, women have journeyed far, rewriting narratives along the way.

As a leader, I’ve witnessed firsthand the evolution of our roles, both within the property management sphere and beyond. Over the years, we have witnessed a significant shift in the landscape of this industry, marked by the increasing presence and influence of women at all levels. From property managers to executives, women have been making significant strides, reshaping the way we manage properties and communities.

Historically relegated to supporting roles, women are now taking charge and driving innovation. We bring a unique blend of empathy and efficiency to the table, enriching every aspect of our professional and personal lives. Their unique perspectives, multitasking abilities, and attention to detail bring a fresh approach to the table, enriching our industry with diverse insights and solutions.

Investing in women isn’t just a moral imperative; it’s a strategic imperative. It’s about recognizing the untapped potential and harnessing the power of diversity to fuel innovation and growth. By getting women onboard with opportunities, support, and encouragement, we not only create a more equitable society but also unlock a world of possibilities, where every individual can thrive and succeed on their own terms.

Let’s reaffirm our commitment to investing in women in property management. By harnessing their talent and potential, we can propel our industry forward, driving innovation, and creating vibrant, thriving communities for all.

Saba Dhanani

Director of Marketing and Communications, Sayaji Hotels Ltd.

Women are molding the industry while simultaneously reshaping its future in the ever-evolving realm of hospitality. Women are driving change in many aspects of the hospitality sector as leaders, innovators, and advocates for change.

Emerging trends like leadership diversification and sustainable initiatives have steered to greater gender equality and environmental sensitivity within the hospitality sector. As a result, there are several opportunities available for women entrepreneurs to join boutique hospitality brands to provide authentic experiences that engage with customers.

Nevertheless, obstacles still persist especially when it comes to realizing full gender parity and overcoming deeply rooted biases. However, women in the hospitality sector are technology-driven women to promote culinary creativity and CSR-based approaches to create a more diverse and inclusive industry.

The future of women in the hospitality industry will be characterised by diversity, innovation and cooperation. Women will keep on pushing the industry forward to create positive changes through mentorship programs, networking campaigns among other elements thus making the hospitality industry a dynamic environment where everyone feels welcomed and comfortable.