WOMEN EMPOWERMENT THROUGH TOURISM: A CASE STUDY OF ALTIT TOWN HUNZA, PAKISTAN

Abstract

The research analyzed Women Empowerment Through Tourism: A Case Study of Altit Town Hunza, Pakistan. Women in Hunza Altit are educated, socially empowered politically active, and independent in the decision-making process both in society and at the household level. Women of Hunza are more empowered as compared to the other districts of Gilgit-Baltistan. The reason behind women’s empowerment in Hunza Altit is women’s engagement in economic activities. As, Hunza, especially Altit village is considered as a hub of tourism, where thousands of national and international tourists are visits in summers. The reason behind the inflow of tourists in Altit village is due to the Altit Fort and old age mud houses. The research is qualitative and exploratory. The universe of the study was Altit villages. The respondents were those women who are engaged with tourism-related activities. The semi-stricture questionnaire and interview guide were designed to collect the data from respondents. The face-to-face in-depth interviews were conducted with the respondents. The thematic analysis was done to explain the collected data in a systematic manner. The findings of the study showed that women of Altit are engaged with the tourism sector through different activities. Women along with their family members are facilitating tourists in the region. Many women have their own small cafes, hostels, shops of handicrafts, hotel management services, preparing local dishes, and working as a tourist guide in the region. The majority of the women are supported by their family members. The tourism facilitating activities able women t earn enough for themselves and the livelihood of their family members. Many Non- Governmental Organizations, including Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), Karakoram Area Development (KADO), and Rupani Foundation (RF) have provided different skill development training to women in different areas. The hostel management and cooking of among them. Women now in Altit use their own skills to empower themselves in society. Women empowerments mean the ability of women to take decision making which best serves their own interest and their families. Therefore, the tourism sector empowered women through their engagement in economic activities. Keyword’s: Women’s Empowerment, Gilgit-Baltistan, Tourism, Altit, Qualitative, Hunza, KADO, RF, AKDN