Local Women guide training - Uttrakhand, India
Since its inception in 2009, Fernweh Fair Travel has transformed the lives of over 500 women. These women have become integral members of their communities, taking on roles such as guides, hosts, village representatives, and leaders of special programs. They are also active participants in our Clean Village program, demonstrating the diverse skillsets they have acquired through training.
Local Women Guide Training Grant
See updates below.
Fernweh's Fair Travel is a social enterprise that collaborates with local communities in the Indian Himalayas to empower women who face various challenges such as cultural taboos of remarrying, domestic violence, and widowhood.
Fernweh Fair Travel helps these women acquire hospitality skills by training them to become tour guides, homestay hosts, and more. The aim is to uplift rural communities in the region by providing sustainable income opportunities for these women.
The founder of Fernweh, Poonam Rawat-Hahne, is a passionate world traveler who witnessed the hardships faced by women in her homeland, which led her to establish this successful venture.
Fernweh Fair Travel has been selected as a recipient of a $2000 grant from Crooked Trails in 2024. The grant will enable the program to expand its training and employment opportunities for women. The grant will cover various expenses including travel, accommodations, food, trainer's fees, first-aid certification, and the cost of an English-as-a-second-language instructor for the group of students.
Poonam recently shared with Aerin England of We Travel, that "with solid financial baking, these women now walk with confidence, knowing they have achieved independence and are proud providers of their families."
November 2024 Updates
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Thank you for supporting our women’s empowerment travel project in the Indian Himalayas.
A part of this fund has been dedicated to empowering the local community through hospitality training, which is a key step in boosting women’s skills and creating sustainable livelihoods. We are excited to announce that next spring, we will organize a comprehensive 12-day guide training program for the locals, where the rest of the funds will be used. This program will equip them with essential skills in guiding, communication, and guest management, helping them offer exceptional experiences to travelers. By investing in their development, we aim to foster both personal growth and long-term economic benefits for the region while also enhancing the overall quality of tourism in the area.