The data on women in hospitality is a familiar story of a wide base and a narrow top. While the industry relies heavily on female labour, the transition into executive and boardroom roles remains the primary challenge.
Women make up 52% of the workforce in the hospitality sector, but only roughly 30% hold a leadership position. In the travel industry at large, the wage-gap still persists with women earning around 14.7% less than their male counterparts.
None of this is new. Every year, International Women’s Day (IWD) prompts a re-examination of these stats, and every year, the progress remains disappointingly slow. Across most industries, women continue to receive less career support and fewer opportunities for vertical growth.
Despite these systemic hurdles, individual businesses have the power to write their own rules on equality. Diverse leadership at Kempinski Hotel Muscat is an example of what happens when support and opportunities are offered equally. Under the stewardship of Nadine Al Bulushi, who made history as the first Omani woman to be appointed General Manager in the Sultanate, the property has become a lighthouse for inclusive hospitality.
“By giving without agenda, I’ve gained stronger teams, deeper connections, and a workplace built on mutual loyalty rather than hierarchy. That is the real power behind ‘Give to Gain’, the theme for IWD 2026. When you lead with generosity and trust, what you receive back is far greater than anything you could have asked for,” says Al Bulushi.
“We keep our approach human, supportive, and consistent, creating a culture where the next generation of leaders feels encouraged, capable, and ready to step forward in their own way,” she adds.
This International Women’s Day 2026, keep reading to discover advice from three women who have progressed to leadership positions at Kempinski Hotel Muscat.
“Own your seat at the table before it is even offered to you”
“Navigating the luxury hospitality landscape as a woman requires a blend of uncompromising standards and radical resilience. In an industry built on the ‘art of anticipation,’ apply that same foresight to your career, identify the gaps in leadership, master the technical grit behind the glamour, and never mistake empathy for weakness.
“Build a personal brand rooted in integrity and results, and remember that your perspective isn’t just an addition to the room, it is the very thing that will redefine it,” says Maryana Dbaissy, Groups & Events Sales Manager.
“‘Extra work’ is actually an investment in yourself”
“Don’t stay in your lane. If you only learn your own job, you’ll stay in that role. But if you’re curious about how the kitchen works, how the budget is managed, or how the guest’s room is prepared, you become an asset that the company can’t ignore. Climbing the ladder is about having a wide perspective, not just a high title,” Carmen Venter, Quality Manager, shares.
“When you show that you are deeply invested in the hotel’s success and you back your ideas with facts, your gender becomes irrelevant and your expertise becomes the focus. I want to show other young women that you don’t need to change who you are to lead, you just need to own your results and never stop challenging the status quo,” she continues.
“Speak up, even when your voice shakes”
“Hard work and growth are not about being constantly hectic, exhausted, or running on little sleep. Real progress comes from consistency, strength, and discipline. Not chaos. You don’t climb the ladder overnight, but you build it slowly, step by step, by showing up with integrity, earning trust, and doing the work well, even when no one is watching. Balance is important, because when you’re burned out, you will not be able to give your best.
“Sharpen your intuition. Never wait to be “ready”, you’ll learn on the way. Choose environments that value your growth, not just your output. You will always have options, it’s all in your hands. And remember to always do it for yourself, driven by passion and heart, because when the motivation is genuine, you’re able to keep giving your very best.
“Most importantly, don’t lose your kindness. It’s not a weakness, it’s always a strength. Hospitality needs more people who lead with heart, clarity, and courage,” says Deandra Shivana, Head of Marketing.
