With International Women’s Day approaching on the 8th March, we’d like to take some time to celebrate women around the world and raise awareness of their cultural, social and political achievements, while also calling for gender equality.
International Women’s Day is an important day in the calendar. But we believe that it’s even more important to champion women the rest of the year too.
If you’re interested in having a holiday that makes a difference, then we’ve got plenty of tips on how you can choose the right travel experiences to support women around the world. From homestays to charities, community initiatives and grass-root organisations – women around the world are making an impact. Here’s how we support them, and how you can support them too…
1. Women-led wildlife projects
Dedicated to caring for elephants in Thailand through rescue, rehabilitation, community participation and education, Save Elephant Foundation was founded by Sangdeaun Lek Chailert, a Thai woman born in a small hill tribe village two hours north of Chiang Mai.
Knowing that Thailand’s national symbol was often being treated cruelly and was becoming endangered, Lek began advocating for the welfare and rights of the Asian elephant, and since 1996 has rescued 200 of the gentle giants in Thailand and nearby countries. She continues to raise international awareness of her work and strives to encourage others to follow her example, but most days can be found at the Elephant Nature Park, one of her projects in Northern Thailand, where visitors are welcomed to engage ethically with the animals – no riding or tricks allowed.