“In today’s world, the conversation around diversity, equality, and inclusiveness is more vital than ever,” said Sumi Soorian, as she introduced this year’s edition of the Mind the Gap event.

“Closing the gap in representation and opportunity is not just a goal; it’s a movement that empowers individuals to break the glass ceiling and challenge long-standing norms,” added Soorian, Senior Advisor at the Phuket Hotels Association.

Her words ring true. The 20th century saw significant progress in equality and acceptance, yet there is still much work to be done – including the hospitality sector, where people are at the heart of the industry.

One of the speakers at Mind the Gap 2024 was Christina Ho, a Boeing 777 pilot and TEDx Speaker who knows firsthand about breaking barriers.

She shared a startling statistic: while women account for 33% of astronauts, they represent less than 6% of airline pilots, according to UNESCO. This disparity highlights a broader issue – where gender representation isn’t mandated or encouraged, it often falls short.

Closer to home, only 6% of head chefs in prominent restaurant groups across Asia are women, and even in the U.S., that number barely exceeds 21%. Gender barriers persist in both cockpits and kitchens alike.

“Who doesn’t have bias? Please raise your hand,” Christina asked the audience, and the response was just as you might predict.

Both Christina Ho and Pranapda Chirathivat of Dragonfly360 emphasized that change starts with small actions. Here are five simple steps from Pranapda to promote gender equality:

1. Be a Role Model: Show respect and fairness in your actions, setting an example for others.
2. Help with Everyday Tasks: Support women by offering help with household duties or childcare, promoting better work-life balance.
3. Use Inclusive Language: Choose words that respect all genders, avoiding stereotypes.
4. Celebrate Successes: Acknowledge and praise the achievements of the women around you.
5. Engage Men: Encourage men to actively support and promote gender equality.

Some argue that women are few among top managers as they face more challenges balancing careers and family life due to traditional gender roles, societal expectations, the gender pay gap, and slower career progression. Indeed, these disadvantages prevent women from operating on the same level as men – a reality that must be changed.

In 2023, Kirsten Fletcher became the first female Australian Consul-General in Phuket. At the Mind the Gap event, she shared her tips for balancing career and personal life:

• Stay true and believe in yourself – others may try to discredit you.
• Practice self-care – take time for yourself, whether it’s exercise, catching up with friends, or enjoying a Netflix binge.
• Set boundaries – if you don’t, others may take advantage of you.
• Find a mentor – someone who can guide and support you.
• Ask for help– be honest when you’re overwhelmed with work or family commitments.
• Take your leave – you won’t be thanked for not using it.
• Own your mistakes – acknowledge them, learn, and grow.

Mind the Gap is a unique event in Phuket, bringing together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and senior executives to champion equality. It emphasizes the importance of pushing boundaries to create an environment where everyone feels valued and heard.

“This shift requires courage – encouraging people to speak up about their experiences and working through challenges to create a workforce where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, ultimately leading to stronger teams and greater success for all,” concluded Sumi Soorian.