Although many view tourism as a male-dominated field, there are several women in the tourism sector who make the experience for travelers a dream come true. These women tour guides possess extensive knowledge of various animals, plants, birds, reptiles and so much more.
In celebration of this year’s Women’s Day, Karibu Travel Magazine will spotlight women from different sectors who are making significant contributions to the tourism industry. In this issue, we focus on top female tour guides who are providing visitors with unforgettable experiences.
Over the weekend we had a chat with Abia Atukwase who told us more about herself.
I am Abia Atukwatse, a Ugandan female nature guide specializing in mammals, birds, culture, and reptiles. I drive tourists around the East African countries of Uganda and Rwanda.
I am a proud member of the Uganda Safari Guides Association and freelance with various tour companies, including but not limited to Safari With Edris, K Safaris, Laba Africa, Hooves of Africa, Venture Uganda, Bird Uganda Safaris, Tamera Voyages, and Jewel Safaris. I also sometimes work directly with the Uganda Tourism Board when they host buyers.
Additionally, I serve as the Secretary for the Uganda Women Birders, am a board member of the Uganda Safari Guides Association, and function as a Tourist Guides Assessor under the Directorate of Industrial Training, among other roles.
I am a passionate conservationist and researcher, currently volunteering with Nature Uganda, a birdlife partner in Uganda. My work involves conducting surveys, monitoring bird populations, and counting waterfowl.
2014 was the time l entered the tourism industry while I was completing my university internship at Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. While there, I discovered an activity called birdwatching. After joining the birders on the ground, I fell in love with it and decided to pursue it as a hobby. In 2016, I conducted my first birdwatching tour, and I have been guiding ever since.
What are some of your accomplishments?
I have accomplished a great deal in my career, although I believe there are still many more achievements ahead of me. Some of my notable successes include:
Bringing back guests to my country: I take pride in being an ambassador for Uganda, as many of my guests return, often with others in tow. This wouldn’t happen if I didn’t showcase my beautiful country well.
Building a global network, I have formed friendships with people from all over the world, which is an essential part of my life since I love meeting new people.
Achieving financial independence, While I have yet to reach the peak of my career, I have worked hard to support myself. I am proud to have a few accomplishments to my name. This financial independence is particularly important for women, as over-dependence on men can sometimes lead to domestic violence.
I am also proud to have been part of the team that rediscovered the Fox’s Weaver, Uganda’s only endemic bird species, which was nearly declared extinct and have been part of the leadership at the Uganda Women Birders that organized the first-ever International Conference for Women Birders that attracted birders from all continents and was a very successful event.
I have represented my country in several events both locally and internationally, sharing the story of women in the male-dominated field of tour guiding and I have mentored several people, particularly young girls, which has positively impacted many of their lives. I take pride in my ability to change lives for the better.
What are some challenges you have faced?
You might not believe it, but even in this day and age, there are still stereotypes and cultural beliefs about women. Some people still think that women should stay at home and are unfit for society, particularly when it comes to work.
One significant challenge is the lack of trust from employers. For example, when it comes to driving large manual vehicles in rough terrains over long distances, our male counterparts are often given the jobs more quickly. As a result, we have to put in twice the effort to earn their trust.
The equipment and gear we need are also expensive, which hinders some women from progressing in this career. Many ladies end up dropping out because this job requires a substantial time investment and initial funding that is often not available to fresh graduates.
Additionally, we face the challenge of sexual harassment, especially when working alongside male counterparts. We are often referred to as their sexual partners and are not seen for the services we provide. This is typically dismissed with phrases like “a self-contained male driver,” which tarnishes our image and invites disrespectful comments.
Lastly, most facilities lack separate bathrooms for different genders, which can be very uncomfortable. For example, if someone is experiencing their period, they may risk infections from shared bathrooms. Moreover, accommodation can be limited, forcing us to share rooms with the opposite gender, often unwillingly. Otherwise, we have to drive over 50 kilometers to find accommodation in remote national parks, where it’s essential to be available for guests late at night as well as early in the morning for breakfast and activities.
For any young girl that would want to be like me, keep pushing forward and be a go-getter. It all works out in the end. When I reflect on where I started and where I am now, I can see that I have made significant strides.
