My name is Hope. I am a Tanzanian woman and by profession, a tour guide. I work to give guests a broader understanding of the environment they are visiting as well as ensure they have a safe and satisfying trip. I became interested in this industry because I fell in love with nature and meeting new people.
I joined Professional Tour Guide School in 2005. In 2006 I got an interview with a company now known as And Beyond. I was the only woman who passed the interview. We were taken to a bush camp for a two week selection course. I was among those who were selected to move forward and stayed in the bush for three months. I became one of three female tour guides in the whole entire company. I worked in Serengeti National Park. I spent seven years in the bush doing six weeks on and two weeks off. Then in 2012 I became the Operations Manager at Dorobo Tours and Safaris. In 2014 I became freelance and became the executive secretary of Interpretive Guide Society. |
From my experience I would say that 99% of this job is dominated by men. I have had great experiences with men in the bush; we work as a team and give each other support as needed. Despite the male dominance, women should not be discouraged! There are many challenges women face when trying to become a tour guide and in 2008 I knew that something had to change. I started to share my experiences with tour guide schools and those who plan to go to school to encourage women.
The basic concept of this organization is to reach females who are facing challenges as well as to share experiences. The idea is to help them through these challenges, to make them some of the best tour guides in the industry. Below are the challenges women face that inspired me to formulate Female Guides Community Initiatives. This organization needs lots of co-operation, support, and team work. Ideas are always welcome. |
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