At just a young age, Peace Mutoni, has guided tourists from different corners of the world in their adventures in Rwanda and even outside of Rwanda. She has been breaking barriers and inspiring others along the way. Her journey into the world of tourism has been nothing short of extraordinary.
In a recent interview, she shared her compelling story, shedding light on her challenges and the triumphs she’s celebrated.
“I was attracted to tourism. I loved traveling. I loved discovering different places,” Mutoni reflects, her eyes alight with passion. “I knew that becoming a tour guide would enable me to explore even more places and contribute to my knowledge.”
Mutoni’s journey wasn’t without its hurdles. As a woman in a predominantly male industry, she encountered skepticism and doubt from colleagues and clients. “My first challenge was facing the gender imbalance in the industry. Many men, few women. Many thought that women couldn’t handle certain tasks,” she recalls.
“Women were considered as they can’t do everything, they can’t do a long safari, they can’t drive a safari car for a long time,” she said.
Mutoni wondered if she was going to be able to manage and be competitive in a field dominated by men.
Mutoni refused to be deterred. Armed with determination and a thirst for knowledge, she embarked on a quest to equip herself with the skills and connections needed to thrive.
“The first thing that helped me become better in my career was the different courses that I
did in university in different internship programs that I managed to go to and even the
short courses that I managed to learn including the EF program,” she said.
The EF English language training program in partnership with RDB and Mastercard Foundation, helped Mutoni with her communication skills which she needed as a tour guide interacting with people from different countries.
Mutoni says, “Inclusivity for women is helping us to be competitive enough to our market and to our industry.”
She asserts that she had to equip herself more than her male counterparts for her to be able to challenge what people say.
“I had to first equip myself to learn what is on the field. What do these tour guides do? Who
are they?” she says. But it is not just about acquiring skills, according to Mutoni, it is also about facing one’s fears.
“I had to face my fear and challenge the status quo. I had to prove that women are just as capable, just as competitive,” she asserts.
Through perseverance and resilience, Mutoni shattered stereotypes and defied expectations. “I was told that as a female guide, I couldn’t drive a safari car or lead long trips. I was told that I could only do short tours in the city without even driving. But I proved them wrong. I can do a 10-day safari, I can drive a safari car, I can do its mechanical maintenance. I can do it all.,” she declares proudly.
Her message to aspiring women in the industry is empowering and encouraging. “You are welcome. We need more women in this industry. Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you—seize them. And if you fail, embrace the lessons learned and keep pushing forward,” she implores.
