Around the world, women are at the heart of community tourism, transforming local traditions, skills, and knowledge into opportunities for economic empowerment and cultural preservation. 

Through community tourism, they are creating jobs, strengthening their communities, and inspiring future generations. This month, in honour of International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating the remarkable women behind some of our community partners who are leading the way in sustainable tourism. 

In this blog, we’re featuring inspiring female-led organizations and enterprises that Planeterra supports around the world.

In 2012, Shila Amatya and her husband, Ashok, welcomed the first travellers to the Panauti Community Homestay, igniting interest among other women in their community. More women soon joined, leading to the creation of the Community Homestay Network, which provides women with opportunities to earn an income while sharing their culture with travellers.

The impact of this initiative has inspired many, including Poonam and Ashish Gupta, whose mother is a homestay host. Poonam, who once helped her mother run the homestay while studying, is now the Chief Operating Officer of the Community Homestay Network. Ashish, recognizing the potential for further opportunities, co-founded Panauti Bike Station in 2019, a youth-led initiative offering cycling and hiking tours.

In 2024, Panauti Bike Station applied for the Planeterra Global Community Tourism Fund to expand their offerings and create even more opportunities for local women and youth. Their work continues to strengthen community tourism in Nepal.

👉 Learn more about the story behind Panauti Community Homestay.
👉 Read how the Community Homestay Network is championing gender equality in Nepal.

In Cambodia, tuk-tuk driving is traditionally a male-dominated field—but Kim, the founder of Tuk Tuk Lady, is changing that. Motivated by her determination to provide for her two children, Kim faced discrimination and skepticism but refused to give up.

She moved to Siem Reap, where travellers were more open to supporting a female driver, and from her perseverance, Tuk Tuk Lady was born.

More than just a transport service, Tuk Tuk Lady empowers women to gain financial independence and confidence. With support from Planeterra, Kim and her team received training and mentoring, helping them build a sustainable business and attract travellers—including those from our travel partners.

Kim’s journey proves that community tourism can break barriers and open doors. Every tuk-tuk ride in Siem Reap is now a step toward greater gender equality and opportunity.

👉 Read more about Kim’s story.

In San Antonio, Belize, large families and limited job opportunities have historically made it difficult for women to pursue education and employment. Determined to change this, nine Mayan women formed the San Antonio Women’s Co-op (SAWC) to earn an income, preserve their traditions, and inspire the next generation.

With Planeterra’s support, SAWC built a workshop space, increasing tourism and providing a centre for youth training programs. Visitors can now participate in traditional Mayan pottery workshops, enjoy home-cooked meals, and purchase handcrafted goods—all while supporting women-led economic development.

Beyond tourism, SAWC is funding education for young women, supporting scholarships for guiding courses, elementary school, and tourism-related studies. They’ve also expanded their impact by supporting a local children’s football team and distributing school supplies. This initiative shows that when women are empowered, entire communities thrive.

In Turkey, çöp(m)adam is redefining women’s employment and environmental sustainability. This social enterprise—whose name translates to “garbage ladies”—provides jobs for women who have never had a salaried position before while turning waste into fashionable, functional products.

Since its founding, over 500 women have gained confidence, skills, and financial independence through çöp(m)adam. Thanks to Planeterra’s partnership, the enterprise has connected with our travel partners, ensuring a steady stream of customers who purchase upcycled products and support the initiative.

With female employment in Turkey at around 30%, çöp(m)adam is breaking down gender stereotypes and championing a more sustainable future—one creatively repurposed product at a time.

👉Watch the video to learn more about what they do.

In Zimbabwe, the Lusumpuko Women’s Cooperative began with a group of determined women—many of them single mothers and widows—coming together to create economic opportunities.

What started as a chicken-rearing project has evolved into a Lunch Club, where travellers from our travel partners enjoy authentic traditional meals prepared by the cooperative. This initiative has provided income while also funding education for their daughters, granddaughters, and nieces, ensuring a brighter future for the next generation.

Beyond financial support, Lusumpuko teaches valuable skills. Young women learn culinary techniques, hygiene standards, and business practices—all crucial for their professional and personal development.

The women of Lusumpuko prove that resilience, collaboration, and community-driven tourism can create lasting change, uplifting families and strengthening entire communities.

These stories highlight the power of women in community tourism—transforming challenges into opportunities and creating sustainable futures for their families and communities.

Through partnerships, training, and determination, they are paving the way for a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous world. At Planeterra, we are proud to support these incredible women and their initiatives. If you’d like to explore more stories, check out these blogs:

👉 Zoológico Mágico: The Magic of Art Crafted by Female Artisans.
👉 Women in Community Tourism: Three Inspiring Stories.

Join us in celebrating their achievements and be part of the movement by choosing community tourism on your next adventure.