نقش زنان روستایی در توسعه گردشگری اجتماع محور: مطالع روستاهای اطراف دریاچه گهر در استان لرستان (مقاله علمی وزارت علوم)
درجه علمی: نشریه علمی (وزارت علوم)
آرشیو
چکیده
گردشگری مبتنی بر جامعه به عنوان یکی از ارکان توسعه پایدار روستایی، نقش کلیدی زنان روستایی را در حفظ میراث فرهنگی و تقویت اقتصاد محلی برجسته می کند. این مطالعه نقش زنان را در روستاهای داربستانه و تیان در نزدیکی دریاچه گوهر در استان لرستان و موانع مشارکت آن ها و راهکارهای توانمندسازی را بررسی کرده است. با استفاده از تحلیل مضمون کیفی، داده ها ازطریق مصاحبه های نیمه ساختاریافته با ۱۹ زن فعال در فعالیت های گردشگری در سال ۱۴۰۳ جمع آوری شدند. فرایند تحلیل تا رسیدن به اشباع نظری ادامه یافت و نشان داد که مشارکت زنان در ابعاد مختلف اقتصادی (تولید صنایع دستی، خدمات غذایی، فروش محصولات کشاورزی)، اجتماعی (تصمیم گیری محلی، تقویت همبستگی اجتماعی) و فرهنگی/ زیست محیطی (انتقال میراث عشایری، رفتارهای دوستدار محیط زیست) چشمگیر است؛ بااین حال، موانعی مانند زیرساخت های ناکافی، نگرش های سنتی و دسترسی محدود به بازار، مشارکت آن ها را محدود می کند. راهکارهای پیشنهادی شامل تأسیس تعاونی های زنان، توسعه زیرساخت های دیجیتال، ارائه آموزش های حرفه ای و ترویج برندسازی محلی ازطریق جشنواره های فرهنگی است. این اقدامات به توانمندسازی اقتصادی، اجتماعی و فرهنگی زنان کمک کرده و توسعه پایدار گردشگری را تقویت می کند. این مطالعه با تمرکز بر ناحیه کمتر مطالعه شده دریاچه گوهر، بینش های بومی و راهکارهای عملی برای توانمندسازی زنان ارائه می دهد و به ادبیات گردشگری مبتنی بر جامعه و مطالعات جنسیتی در ایران کمک می کند.The Role of Rural Women in the Development of Community-Based Tourism (CBT): A Case Study of Villages around the Gahar Lake in Lorestan Province
Community-Based Tourism (CBT) serves as a cornerstone of sustainable rural development, emphasizing the vital role of rural women in preserving cultural heritage and bolstering the local economy. This study investigated the role of women in the villages of Darbastaneh and Tian located near the Gahar Lake in Lorestan Province by examining the barriers to their participation and identifying strategies for empowerment. Utilizing qualitative thematic analysis, data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with 19 women involved in tourism-related activities in 2024. The analysis continued until theoretical saturation was reached, revealing that women's participation was significant across several dimensions: Economic: Handicraft production, food services, and the sale of agricultural products Social: Local decision-making and strengthening of social cohesion Cultural/Environmental: Transmission of nomadic heritage and environmentally friendly practices However, challenges, such as inadequate infrastructure, traditional attitudes, and limited market access, hindered their involvements. Proposed strategies for empowerment included establishing women's cooperatives, developing digital infrastructure, providing professional training, and promoting local branding through cultural festivals. These initiatives aimed to enhance the economic, social, and cultural empowerment of women while fostering sustainable tourism development. By focusing on the under-researched region of the Gahar Lake, this study offered localized insights and practical strategies for women's empowerment, contributing to the literature on CBT and gender studies in Iran. Keywords : Community-Based Tourism (CBT), Women's Empowerment, Sustainable Development, Lorestan Province. Introduction The global surge in tourism has brought Community-Based Tourism (CBT) into focus as a sustainable approach to rural development, emphasizing local participation, cultural preservation, and environmental sustainability. In rural areas, such as the villages of Darbastaneh and Tian near the Gahar Lake in Lorestan Province, Iran, women play a pivotal role in these initiatives, utilizing traditional skills in handicrafts, food services, and agricultural sales to craft authentic tourism experiences. The pristine landscapes and rich nomadic heritage of the Gahar Lake offer substantial tourism potential; however, women's contributions are often hindered by structural, cultural, and economic challenges. This study sought to address 3 key questions: What roles do women play in the development of CBT in these villages? What barriers limit their participation? What strategies can enhance their empowerment for sustainable tourism? While global research, including studies from Malaysia and Ecuador, highlights women's roles in CBT, less-explored regions like the Gahar Lake remain understudied. This research aimed to fill that gap by providing localized insights into women's contributions, the barriers they face, and tailored strategies for their empowerment. Grounded in a conceptual framework of economic, social, cultural, and institutional empowerment, this study aspired to inform policymakers and stakeholders in designing programs that strengthen women's roles, thereby fostering sustainable development and gender equity within the tourism sector of the Gahar Lake. Materials & Methods Following the framework established by Braun and Clarke (2006), this qualitative study employed reflexive thematic analysis to examine women’s roles in CBT in the villages of Darbastaneh and Tian. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 19 women engaged in tourism-related activities, including handicraft production (e.g., kilims and jajims), food services (e.g., local dishes), agricultural sales (e.g., pomegranates, walnuts, and medicinal herbs), and ecotourism management. Being conducted in the second half of 1403 (2024), the interviews lasted between 45 and 60 minutes and were held either in person or via telephone, depending on logistical feasibility. Participants were selected using purposive sampling to achieve maximum variation in age (25–50+ years), education (ranging from below high school to a bachelor’s degree), marital status, and type of activity, ensuring diverse perspectives and theoretical saturation. Interview questions explored women’s roles, challenges, and potential solutions, such as: “What tourism activities do you undertake?” “What obstacles do you face?” and “What strategies could enhance your participation?” With informed consent, the interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and supplemented with field notes from village observations. Data analysis followed a 6-stage process: (1) familiarization with the data, (2) initial coding (e.g., infrastructure limitations, cultural barriers), (3) theme development (e.g., economic contributions, empowerment strategies), (4) theme refinement, (5) theme definition centered around “women’s participation in CBT”, and (6) report production, including illustrative quotes. MAXQDA software facilitated the coding process with two researchers independently reviewing codes for consistency. To ensure credibility, triangulation was used, incorporating field observations and local council reports. Participant validation was conducted with 10 women confirming the identified themes and peer review was implemented. Reliability was maintained through a standardized interview protocol, comprehensive coding documentation, and secure data storage. Ethical considerations included obtaining informed consent, using pseudonyms for confidentiality and encrypting data storage, all of which contributed to robust and contextually relevant findings. Research Findings The thematic analysis revealed 3 key themes: women’s contributions to CBT, barriers to participation, and empowerment strategies. Women’s Contributions to CBT Women played a vital role in enhancing CBT through economic, social, and cultural/environmental activities. Economically, they produced handicrafts (e.g., kilims, jajims), provided food services (e.g., traditional soups, bread), and sold agricultural products (e.g., pomegranates, walnuts, herbs), thereby generating income and promoting authentic tourism experiences. Socially, women participated in village councils, fostering community cohesion and challenging patriarchal norms, which elevated their social status. Culturally, they preserved nomadic traditions through storytelling and weaving, while they environmentally advocated for eco-friendly practices, such as educating tourists on waste management to protect the ecosystem of the Gahar Lake. These efforts aligned with various dimensions of empowerment, enhancing economic, social, and cultural sustainability. Barriers to Participation Several barriers impeded women’s participation. Structurally, inadequate infrastructure (e.g., poor roads, lack of guesthouses) and limited training in marketing and digital skills hindered competitiveness. Culturally, patriarchal attitudes and heavy domestic responsibilities restricted women’s public roles and availability. Economically, the lack of capital and market access combined with competition from commercial products limited profitability. Additionally, low self-confidence among less-educated women further obstructed their ability to interact with tourists and market their products, reflecting both global and local challenges in CBT. Empowerment Strategies Participants proposed several strategies to overcome these barriers: Infrastructure and Institutional Support: Establishing women’s cooperatives to organize economic activities and access financial resources, along with developing digital platforms for product sales to expand market reach. Low-interest loans could facilitate business startups. Capacity Building: Providing training in marketing, packaging, digital skills, and tourism management, along with workshops aimed at boosting communication and confidence, would enhance women’s competitiveness. Marketing and Networking: Creating local brands, organizing cultural festivals, and fostering regional collaboration networks with neighboring villages could promote products and cultural identity, attracting tourists and strengthening economic viability. Discussion of Results & Conclusion This study underscored the essential role of women in the villages of Darbastaneh and Tian in promoting CBT through their economic contributions, social engagement, and efforts in cultural and environmental preservation. Their activities not only generated income, but also helped safeguard the nomadic heritage and ecosystem of the Gahar Lake, aligning with the principles of sustainable tourism. However, various barriers—structural (e.g., inadequate infrastructure), cultural (e.g., patriarchal norms), and economic (e.g., limited market access)—impeded their potential. The proposed strategies, including establishment of cooperatives, development of digital infrastructure, training programs, local branding initiatives, and cultural festivals, aimed to address these challenges by fostering economic independence, social influence, and cultural pride. In comparison to more accessible villages like Masouleh, Darbastaneh and Tian faced unique challenges due to their remoteness, highlighting the necessity for region-specific interventions. To enhance women’s roles, policymakers should prioritize the following: Infrastructure Development: Investing in roads, guesthouses, and digital platforms to improve tourism accessibility and market reach Training Programs: Implementing workshops focused on marketing, digital skills, and tourism management to build capacity and boost confidence Cooperative Formation: Supporting the establishment of women’s cooperatives to provide financial and organizational resources Cultural Promotion: Organizing festivals and developing local brands to enhance tourism and strengthen cultural identity Community Engagement: Involving women in decision-making processes to foster a sense of ownership and social empowerment These strategies can transform the Gahar Lake into a sustainable CBT destination, empowering women and promoting regional development. The focus of this study on an understudied region offered novel insights, contributing to both global and Iranian literature on CBT and gender empowerment with practical implications for sustainable tourism policy.
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