Abstract
While gender equality has long been debated in tourism research, the disability element is rarely discussed. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to explore the intersectionality of gender and disability in the hospitality sector in Zimbabwe. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with purposively selected employees from accommodation establishments in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis. The findings of this study showed that women employees with disabilities face numerous challenges emanating from the intersection of their gender and disability status. Some of the challenges they face include discrimination, sexual harassment, jobs not structured for people with disabilities (PWDs) and structural designs in the workplace not suitable for PWDs. The results of this study also show that the COVID-19 pandemic further worsened the challenges faced by women with disability. Recommendations on how organisations can effectively contribute to SDG 5 are discussed in this chapter.
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Shereni, N.C. (2022). Tourism and SDG 5: Reflections on the Nexus Between Gender and Disability in the Hospitality Industry. In: Woyo, E., Venganai, H. (eds) Gender, Disability, and Tourism in Africa. Sustainable Development Goals Series. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-12551-5_6
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