Celebrating the women-led businesses around the world you need to know about

International Women’s Day, in March, is an opportunity to celebrate inspiring women, both in our lives and around the globe. We work with so many brilliant women at Contiki, and our female-led experiences have introduced us to many empowering and inspiring women all over the world.

Learn more about some of our favourite women-led businesses as we celebrate both International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month this March.

“The fastest way to change society is to mobilise the women of the world.” – Charles Malik

1. Dhonk Centre – India

Community is key, and Dhonk founder Divya Khandal has created a beautiful opportunity for growth and change in her home of Ranthambhore, India. Dhonk was created to provide alternative job opportunities in Ranthambore and to discourage participation in the region’s tiger poaching crisis. Working to reform this poaching pattern, Divya has created a place where the women at Dhonk can ethically provide for their families by creating handcrafted apparel and home products, while honouring Indian craftsmanship and design.

Through Dhonk, Divya has been able to successfully empower both men and women in her community, creating a network of micro-entrepreneurs and changemakers. Dhonk now provides even more for Ranthambore, including education, financing, counseling, skills training, and healthcare loans that were not easily accessible beforehand.

Thanks to Dhonk’s focus on education for girls and employment for women, Ranthambore is destined to create many more community leaders to follow in Divya Khandal’s footsteps for generations to come.

Visit Dhonk on Eternal India.

@contikitravel Saving tigers ✅ Empowering local communities ✅ Supporting traditional arts and crafts ✅ Today we're shedding light on the @dhonk_sustainable_textiles Centre in Ranthambore, India. This organisation provides economic opportunities for local women… which means their husbands no longer need to earn a living from tiger poaching… which means MORE tigers. (Talk about a win-win.) The Dhonk Craft Centre is a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experience on ‘Eternal India’ too. Wanna meet these incredible people (and stock up on their awesome hand-made crafts) for yourself? Just hit the link in bio🇮🇳 #India #Dhonk #tiger #maketravelmatter #contiki #contikitravel #traveltogether #traveltiktok #travel ♬ original sound – Contiki | Travel Together

2. Women’s Argan Oil Cooperative – Morocco

Located near the High Atlas Mountains in Morocco is a cooperative of women making argan oil goods. The community of women is centered around women and older girls who have not had the chance to complete an education, instead offering them a chance to learn a skill and trade, and make a living for themselves.

The argan nuts are sourced locally from Essaouira and brought to the cooperative where the women and girls meet to produce argan oil for both cooking and cosmetic goods. Travellers in Morocco can visit the collective and purchase an array of argan oil goods, supporting the women in turn. 

Visit the Women’s Argan Oil Cooperative on Moroccan Adventure.

3. Ock Pop Tok – Laos

Combining great minds and cultures can be one of the best recipes for success and innovation. This is evident in the work done by the women of Ock Pop Tok. Meaning “East Meets West” in Lao, Ock Pop Tok was created by Joanna Smith and Veomanee Douangdala, of English and Laotian origin respectively. These two inspiring women have worked together to create one of the top textile and artisanal organisations in South East Asia.

The company was founded in 2000 when the two women bonded over a love of traditional and innovative textiles, and weaving methods. They’ve grown their business from a small shop in Luang Prabang to a successful business, focused on providing a sustainable livelihood for local weavers – a job traditionally reserved for women.

Ock Pop Tok champions competitive wages, professional development, and opportunities for learning. It now employs over 90 people with a senior staff team of women.

Visit Ock Pop Tok on Thailand, Laos & Cambodia Adventure.

@contikitravel How to weave tradition with modernity? 🤔 Well, the incredible people at the Ock Pop Tock Centre in Laos are here to tell you. On our Asian Adventure trip, you can take a tour of the Living Crafts Centre and check out how they're adding a western touch to weaving – a traditional Lao craft. That’s not all, though. By visiting them, you’ll be supporting local artists who put their heart & soul into their craft 💙 And guess what? Almost 95% of the weavers are women! What an amazing way to stitch communities together 🥰 #laos #laos🇱🇦 #maketravelmatter #maketravelmattercontiki #travel #traveltiktok #sustainable #sustainablefashion #experience ♬ original sound – Contiki | Travel Together

4. Katarina Lines – Croatia

Katica Hauptfeld began her work in the travel industry as a travel agent before starting Katarina Line in 1992, the main supplier for Contiki’s Croatia Sailing trips. Katica has continued to grow Katarina Line into the thriving enterprise it is today, working with local suppliers and bringing her children on board to her family-run business. As the owner and founder of Katarina Line, she’s creating the blueprint for successful women entrepreneurs in the Balkan region of Europe.

Katarina Line now has over 60 ships in its fleet in 6 different categories, with over 165,000 people a year enjoying their cruises.

Sail with Katarina Line on Croatia Island Sail Plus.

5. Real Country – New Zealand

Southland native Laura Douglas started Real Country in 2016, in an effort to share the real New Zealand with her visitors. After growing up on a sheep farm, Laura spent years in the corporate world before returning to her farming roots. She focused on taking women hunting before turning Real Country into a legitimate and thriving farm full of animals and rugged experiences.

Real Country offers a workshop for young girls that’s structured like a finishing school – and it’s unlike any finishing school you’ll ever see. Laura focuses on instilling confidence and independence in young girls, providing them with practical skills that they’ll have in their arsenal for life. This includes teaching them skills in hunting, farming, basic construction, changing tires, and jumpstarting vehicles.

Laura now offers interactive tours at Real Country and teaches some of these skills to the public, along with running workshops for young women.

Visit Real Country on Real New Zealand.

6. La Sorgente – Italy

In Italy, food and family are so closely linked, and in the region of Sorrento, farming is such an essential part of this process. Maintaining culinary culture is paramount at Arriturismo La Sorgente, a special family farm where two women are feeding the hearts and mouths of their visitors.

La Sorgente is what Italian foodie dreams are made of: a mozzarella farm on a four-acre lemon grove in the hills of Sorrento. The farm has been a family business for three generations, and Rosa and Maria have been responsible for transforming this family gem into a communal educational, culinary and cultural experience.

The Marciano family is responsible for making some of the best limoncello in all of Italy. They also produce olive oil and wine, provide delicious farm-to-table meals for travellers, and grow delicious grapes, oranges, and figs. They then utilize their own cows’ milk for their exceptional, creamy mozzarella.

Rosa and Maria touch the heart of everyone who visits the farm and continue to teach travellers about the importance of organic foods, local dining and family farming in the Italian economy.

Visit La Sorgente on Italian Escape.

7. Yaly Couture – Vietnam

Vietnam is filled with must-dos, but the city of Hội An, in particular, provides a unique shopping experience you can’t miss. Hội An has become known for its superb and affordable custom tailoring services, and much of this is women-led. One shop in particular – Yaly Couture – has become synonymous with quality, and its founder is a talented woman entrepreneur named Trinh Diem Quynh.

Trinh Diem Quynh started her business in 1995 with a small market stall and has grown it into a tailoring empire in Hội An. Yaly now has three shops in Hội An with over 300 tailors on staff. They’re the go-to spot for craftsmanship, training, and customer service.

From ball gowns and suits to tank tops and sundresses, there is no custom tailoring task that Trinh and her team can’t handle. You can visit Yaly during your travels or shop online by sending your measurements in. Yaly has also become one of the biggest tailor innovators in Hội An, with their introduction of 3D full-body scanners, and Trinh Diem Quynh continues her mission to innovate and empower women creatives in Vietnam.

Visit Yaly Couture on Vietnam Experience.

8. The Iraq Al-Amir Women’s Co-operative – Jordan

In Jordan, female unemployment is high, and organisations such as The Iraq Al-Amir Women’s Cooperative aim to provide opportunities to combat employment disparity.

Iraq Al-Amir was founded in 1993 by the Noor Al-Hussein Foundation; a non-profit founded by Queen Noor of Jordan. Its aim is to teach and equip Jordanian women with new skills, business opportunities, and greater financial independence.

Iraq Al-Amir is not only managed and run by local women, but has provided handicraft training for more than 150 women from local villages. These handicrafts are sold in the gift shop and online, to both provide income and help to preserve local heritage. This ripple effect of women helping women has begun to change the lives of many families and single women in Jordan.

Visit the Iraq Al-Amir Women’s Co-operative on Jordan Uncovered.

9. Knysna Township Tour – South Africa

Ella has lived in the Knysna Township in South Africa most of her life where she now runs local cultural and historical tours.

The Township has a heavy atmosphere of community and just by looking around it’s clear how much each citizen helps each other out. No one is left behind, and everyone, no matter where you are from, is greeted kindly with a warm “Molong!“

Ella runs the guided tours of the Township, but she is also an essential part of the community, working with local children in need and acting as their support system as she works to give them better futures away from the dysfunctional backgrounds they may come from. This is precisely the reason Ella came to Knysna in the first place, to make a life for herself away from home, and now she returns the favour the Township has given her.

“The community here is important and there’s a great sense of it. People will take care of you if you have nothing, and they will encourage and support you.”

Visit Knysna on Cape Safari & Falls.

@contikitravel We LOVE experiencing new places through a local’s eyes. But do you know what we love even more? Knowing we’re giving something back to the local community in the process. That’s what Contiki’s MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experiences are all about. And that’s why, when you visit South Africa with us, you’ll get to meet the amazing Ella, who’ll show you the sights and sounds of the Knysna Township where she lives. As you discover a different side to African townships, a colourful community of music, friendship and hope, you’ll also be helping Ella in her mission to provide a proper education for the local children. And what could be better than that? Click the link in bio to find out more. #Contiki #MakeTravelMatter #TravelBetter #SouthAfrica #Knysna #Township ♬ original sound – Contiki | Travel Together

10. Uncle Nearest – USA

As a writer, Fawn Weaver set out to learn more about the story of Nathan ‘Nearest’ Green, in the hope to create a film around his largely unknown involvement in the creation of the American whiskey brand, Jack Daniel’s. Little did she know that her efforts to uncover the story would lead her to start an unexpected business of her own.

Nearest Green was a slave who worked on the property of distiller Dan Call, along with Jack Daniel. Through her research, Weaver learned that Nearest Green was actually the master distiller at Jack Daniel’s. This revelation and a series of serendipitous events lead Fawn to create Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey  – to both honour a legacy and create its own.

Thanks to Fawn and her team, Uncle Nearest launched in 2017 in Tennessee and is now the fastest‐growing independent premium whiskey brand in American history. Weaver’s successful team is comprised of women exclusively, including members of Nearest Green’s own family. Uncle Nearest also has an all-minority executive board. Weaver herself is the first African-American to lead a major spirit brand.

Visit Uncle Nearest on Boot, Scoot ‘n’ Blues. 

11. Row Venice – Italy

The watery city of Venice is known for the gondolas that pass along the canals and lagoons, taking travellers and locals alike from point A to point B. Becoming a gondolieri has historically been a male-dominated occupation, but Row Venice is passing the tradition onto women.

Founder Jane Cafaro started the business as a passion project. She had a boat, a phone, and a website, and she began offering classes to tourists and locals alike who wanted to learn. Soon enough, Row Venice became popular, and demand skyrocketed, prompting Jane to expand her team. Employing both local Venetian women, and women for other corners of the world, Row Venice is comprised of an empowering team which seeks to teach the art of gondoliering and providing women with jobs teaching others.

Not only does Row Venice keep an integral part of Venetian culture alive, but it provides new opportunities and outlets for local women and tourists alike. 

“I think as women we have lots of responsibilities like children and our husbands and work and the house, etc. When I row it’s like saying ‘I’m going to take one or two hours just for me, and I’m going to have fun for me.’”

Visit Row Venice on European Horizon.

@contikitravel Wanna captain a gondola? In Venice? Like a pro? We got you! 🛶 On this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, you'll join the brilliant women of @rowvenice for a gondoliering lesson like no other. ✅Help preserve an 11th Century tradition ✅Empower local women ✅Support sustainable travel Iconic? We sure think so 😍 Hit link in bio for more info. #venice #gondola #italy #travel #traveltogether #maketravelmatter #contiki #travel ♬ original sound – Contiki | Travel Together

12. Sunj Winery – Croatia

This family-run winery in Trstenik is bringing to light the delicious flavour profiles of Croatian wine while preserving a 300-year old tradition of making wine in an organic way.

Located on Peljesǎc peninsula, Trstenik is one of the most important wine regions in Croatia and it is one of the oldest settlements as well. Wines have been exported from here to Dubrovnik, Italy, and even the USA for centuries, and today most people in Trstenik own their own vineyards.The region boasts the Plavac mali wine, which is originally from Croatia but can be found all over the world now.

“My family has been making wine for around 300 years. Tradition is very important to us, so we work in our cellar to continue this long family tradition.” Franica, who owns Sunj Winery, prides herself on not only the exceptional flavour profile of their wine, but the organic and locally sourced ingredients and labour, as well as the ability to continue her long-standing family tradition. The production of their wine is very small, which makes Sunj Winery wines extra special. Travellers will be able to learn about the production of wine, the harvesting of grapes, and get to sample the various kinds as well. 

Visit on Croatia Island Sail.

13. Nanay Elena’s Lunch – Philippines

There are few things as comforting as grandma’s cooking, and that’s exactly what Nanay Elena provides, tucked away in a village in the Philippines.

Born and raised near Puerto Princesa, Nanay Elena is the mother to 12 children, and she prides herself on her cooking. She hosts homemade lunches for travellers, where all the ingredients are sourced either from her very own garden, or from other local providers. The food is authentic and the recipes come straight from the heart.

After losing her animals and crops in a typhoon, Nanay Elena has rebuilt from the ground up in order to be able to provide for her children and grandchildren, as well as herself and her husband. This is a one-woman business sure to warm your heart.

“I chose this job for my family, and I’m very thankful for everyone who comes to support us and eat my food.”

Visit Nanay Elena on Philippines Island Hopping West.

14. Sheroes Café – India

In Agra, you’ll find the Sheroes Hangout Café, a non-profit organisation which is dedicated to rehabilitating the survivors of acid attacks – who are usually women. Run by women, for women, Sheroes Café provides employment opportunities, as well as generally raising awareness against this violent crime.

Founded in 2014, Sheroes Café allows vulnerable women in the community to provide for themselves and their children, and the Chhanv Foundation (which founded the café) aims to support these women in any way they can.

Travellers can visit the café and purchase drinks and food, the profits of which go directly back to supporting these women.

Visit on Delhi to Kathmandu Quest.

15. Learn about Pounamu – New Zealand

Māori culture is as rich as it is extensive, and all corners of New Zealand is full of it. Rauhine Coakley, a local Māori woman, is particularly proud of her culture and traditions, and brings the tradition to curious travellers.

Located on New Zealand’s South Island in Hokitika, Rauhine teaches people about Pounamu, a jade stone which is important and deeply connected to Māori culture. Travellers are invited to carve their own Pounamu under her expert guidance, and this creates an environment of understanding and connectivity, inviting travellers to bring facets of this culture back home with them.

Visit on New Zealand Panorama.