In the ever-evolving landscape of travel, the experiences and challenges faced by female Muslim travelers are a compelling subject of exploration. Recently, at the Halal in Travel Global Summit 2023, hosted by CrescentRating, a session titled "Traveling as a Female Muslim: Overcoming Challenges and Empowering Women" brought together a diverse panel of esteemed experts. This article delves into the insightful conversation that unfolded during this session, highlighting the remarkable journeys and perspectives of these women who embrace their faith while venturing into the world.
The panel comprised influential individuals who have made significant contributions to the travel industry and advocated for the empowerment of Muslim women travelers. Reem El Shafaki, a partner at DinarStandard, moderated the discussion while sharing her expertise in the travel and tourism sector. Kiyonah Buckhalter, a solo Muslim traveler, and modest fashion designer, brought her firsthand experiences and unique perspective to the discussion. Farihah Fuaad, the founder of the Muslim Solo Travel Community, shed light on the challenges and growth opportunities faced by Muslim women who embark on solo journeys. Lastly, Laurat Titilola Ogunjobi, the founder of Cush Consulting Group, provided valuable insights into communication, project management, and cultural agendas.
The session commenced with the panelists recounting amusing and enlightening anecdotes from their travels, highlighting the cultural misunderstandings and challenges they encountered. Farihah Fuaad shared a humorous incident from her solo trip to Indonesia, where linguistic differences led to an amusing exchange about the word "luggage." Laurat Titilola Ogunjobi reflected on her experiences in Spain and how perceptions of hijab varied across different cultural contexts. These anecdotes not only shed light on the challenges faced by Muslim women travelers but also reveal the resilience and humor with which they navigate unfamiliar territories.
A central theme that emerged from the discussion was the significance of community and the sense of sisterhood that permeates the experiences of female Muslim travelers. Kiyonah Buckhalter shared her heartwarming encounters in Morocco, where she was welcomed into local households and embraced by the Muslim community. The panelists emphasized the importance of destinations recognizing and catering to the specific needs of Muslim travelers, such as providing halal menus and designated prayer areas. They also discussed the role of scholarships and educational initiatives in fostering cross-cultural exchange and empowering Muslim women to explore the world.
The panelists highlighted emerging trends that are particularly relevant to Muslim travelers, with a specific focus on Muslim women. Farihah Fuaad emphasized the increasing popularity of wellness retreats and the growing number of Muslim women embarking on solo travels to join group retreats. They also underscored the importance of destinations embracing their Muslim heritage and history, exemplified by countries like Spain, Italy, Greece, and South Korea. These destinations are making efforts to showcase their connection to Islamic history, providing enriching experiences for Muslim travelers.
Addressing the unique circumstances of Muslim women traveling alone, the panelists stressed the importance of creating safe and supportive environments for their journeys. They advocated for the inclusion of modest fashion sections in stores, ensuring that Muslim women have access to appropriate clothing options worldwide. The panelists also discussed the need for increased awareness and sensitivity to diverse modesty levels and cultural practices, enabling Muslim women to travel with confidence and authenticity.
The insights shared during the Halal in Travel Global Summit 2023 session painted a vivid picture of the experiences, challenges, and aspirations of female Muslim travelers. Through their stories, A deeper understanding of the resilience and empowerment that accompanies their journeys is gained. As destinations continue to evolve and cater to the needs of Muslim travelers, particularly Muslim women, the travel industry takes a significant step toward fostering a more inclusive and enriching global experience for all.
More information and sessions of Halal In Travel Global Summit 2023 are available through this link!
