Alma Spathara (F)
Co-Founder
I am Alma Spathara the Co-Founder of Albania Rafting and Castle Park Hotel in Berat, President of Slow Food Community Berat. The development of tourism of culture, nature, food and human assets have been our main goal, where women as the greatest human asset play a key and irreplaceable role in this mission. Women in Albania are the greatest power to have a healthy and sustainable social and economic life. They suffer from problems such as poverty, unemployment, lack of education, backward and masculinist mentality and lack of social policies to support them. The economic empowerment of women and the promotion of businesses led by women are very important to reduce gender inequality and increase women's rights. Tourism in Albania is bringing sustainable development in the economy and mentality and is affecting the increase in employment and self-employment of women. Businesses in the tourism sector have understood the importance of women as a human treasure in the field of tourism. I, together with my partners and colleagues for 20 years in the development of experiential and nature tourism in Albania, have focused on supporting women and girls in the deep mountainous and rural areas of Albania. Through our adventure and cultural tours, we have increased the number of tourists who they visit women's small businesses, guesthouses, small restaurants, their craft shops, bringing in income and increasing their self-confidence. We have trained them to be innovative and we have inspired them that preserving the traditions and authenticity of their areas is very important for their economy and that they should be proud of the great human values they have and carry for the development of tourism and education of future generations. Therefore, I am very happy to be part of the Women's Empowerment Principles to cooperate with all factors and parties to promote business practices that empower women in Albania, joining the global community of companies advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment.