Tourism significantly contributes to the Dominican Republic's GDP, and in areas like Miches, the opportunities for sustainable growth through inclusive business practices are notable.
As part of its commitment to finance sustainable tourism and gender-lens investing, IDB Invest closed a US$49 million investment with Tropicalia, a 95-room Four Seasons Hotel and Residences in Miches.
Central to our commitment is our collaboration with Fundación Tropicalia to enhance the "Soy niña, soy importante" initiative.
Originally launched as a summer camp in 2013, the program supports at-risk girls to protecting their childhood, guiding them in making timely life choices, and educating them and their community regarding their rights.
The program has evolved significantly, adapting to new challenges, such as "Soy niña, soy importante at home," which is an example of resilience and adaptability during the pandemic.
It reached over 300 girls with home-based educational kits that continued the learning process and integrated critical life skills in a time of social distancing and isolation.
As part of IDB Invest's mandate, our partnership aims to prepare young women to expand their access to equitable job opportunities.
This ensures that the young women of Miches can access promising futures while building a more inclusive tourism sector.
Skills and Empowerment
Building on the robust foundation of "Soy niña, soy importante" we are broadening the scope of this initiative by introducing an upskilling pilot program tailored for adolescent girls aged 15 to 18.
This new pilot aims to prepare these young women better to take advantage of opportunities in the tourism sector.
By developing a comprehensive train-the-trainers guide will impart employable and leadership skills, facilitating greater economic participation.
Among potential curricula topics, we’ll leverage technology and harness competitive digital skills, providing communication, leadership, and entrepreneurship training.
Through strategic partners, we are also expanding the women and girls' professional network and growth opportunities.
Finally, building on Fundación Tropicalia’s innovation track record, we are incorporating digital education delivery methods to ensure education remains accessible.
From Global to Local
According to the World Organization of Tourism, tourism accounts for approximately 10% of the global GDP and generates one in ten jobs worldwide.
This is particularly significant in regions like Miches, as tourism contributes an estimated 17% to the Dominican Republic's GDP.
Insights from Statista indicate that around 7.5 million international tourists visited the Dominican Republic in 2019, with projections for gradual recovery post-pandemic, underlining the tourism sector's resilience.
Furthermore, the Dominican Republic's Ministry of Tourism reports that the sector supports over 400,000 jobs, emphasizing its importance to local economies and women's access to quality jobs.
In addition to economic insights, reports from J-PAL highlight the effectiveness of life skills programs in boosting girls’ agency, which is a key driver of personal and community development.
Research indicates that participation in life skills training can lead to a 50% increase in educational attainment among girls and a significant reduction in incidents of gender-based violence.
This alignment of tourism growth and girls' empowerment creates a powerful opportunity for fostering sustainable development in Miches, ultimately ensuring that young women can thrive in a rapidly evolving job market.
These insights validate our strategies and guide the nuanced adaptation of our programs to fit Miches' specific cultural and social landscape.
Our thematic educational kits, recently focusing on STEAM subjects, empower girls by fostering curiosity and potential for careers in science and technology.
A Sustainable Model
The collaboration in Miches sets a precedent for how tourism can serve as a powerful tool for gender equality and socioeconomic development.
Resorts operate in communities, and by implementing these kinds of programs, they generate local jobs and ensure the employment they generate is equitable and contributes to closing gender gaps in employment.
With this collaboration, we are investing in the women of Miches by preparing them to take on leadership roles in the tourism industry, but also building evidence on how this can be done globally.
This project exemplifies how strategic investments that value gender can yield returns for the broader economy and society.
By fostering an environment where women are empowered to excel and lead, we contribute to a more resilient and prosperous community in Miches and build a more inclusive private sector.
This initiative is a testament to the power of partnership and innovation in driving sustainable development. We are proud to replicate and adapt this model across different regions.
View article: https://idbinvest.org/en/blog/gender/how-responsible-investments-can-empower-young-women-and-girls-miches-while-boosting
