Empowering women through tourism: a systematic literature review

Women's empowerment is a recurring theme in advancing gender equality and human rights. This study conducts a systematic literature review of 221 journal publications and 10 books spanning from 1976 to 2024, delving into women's empowerment within the realm of tourism. Integrating empowerment theory with intersectional theory, the research develops a conceptual framework elucidating the mechanisms of women's empowerment and disempowerment. Notably, the findings underscore gender norms as a significant factor contributing to women's disempowerment. The study also further recognises tourism as a pivotal force for dismantling power dynamics and empowering women. This empowerment within tourism is portrayed as an interactive process involving destinations, women residents, and tourists. Through a meticulous analysis of existing literature, the review advances our comprehension of women's empowerment in tourism, offering fresh insights and perspectives that pave the way for future developments in feminist and gender studies.