In the heart of Madhya Pradesh, a remarkable transformation is underway as local women are taking charge of the tourism industry. Omkareshwar, a picturesque tourist destination located around 80 kilometers from Indore, is witnessing a shift where women are becoming boat operators and storytellers, sharing the rich history of their state with travel enthusiasts.

This change is part of the 'Safe Tourism Destination for Women' program initiated by the state tourism board. Over a dozen women from nearby villages are currently undergoing training to become skilled boat operators. In the next two months, the first batch of trained boat operators is expected to take on their new roles, providing tourists with memorable experiences on the water.

But the initiative doesn't stop at boat operators. The program encompasses various aspects of the tourism industry, including hospitality, self-defense, photography, and more. Its aim is to make tourist destinations in Madhya Pradesh more women-friendly and inclusive.

Sheo Shekhar Shukla, the Principal Secretary of MP Tourism, expressed their commitment to creating safe and welcoming destinations. “We are committed to make our destinations safe and tourist friendly. Special emphasis is on to make it more inclusive and sustainable. We are implementing an ambitious project of training 10,000 women in hospitality related job roles and enhance their direct participation in tourism industry. We are also training 40,000 women in and around 50 destinations on skills of self defence to make our destinations safe for women travellers.” 

The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board has established 20 clusters across 50 tourist spots in the state to provide training in various sectors, enabling more women to participate actively in tourism.

The initiative also aligns with the 'Sankalp: Safe Tourism Campaign,' which focuses on creating employment opportunities for women in the tourism sector while promoting sustainability. This project has received approval from the Central Ministry of Women and Child Development Department under the 'Nirbhaya Scheme' and operates in collaboration with UN Women, Women and Child Development, Urban Development and Housing Department, and the Police Department.

This transformative journey empowers women to become boat operators and storytellers, making Madhya Pradesh's tourist destinations more inclusive and welcoming for everyone.