13/09/2026
"From Homemaker to Tourist Guide" - How Statue of Unity Tourism Is Empowering Women in Narmada.
Kevadia, Narmada, Gujarat, September 12: The rise of tourism around the Statue of Unity has brought more than visitors and economic activity to Gujarat’s Narmada district—it has opened new avenues of employment and empowerment, particularly for women from local communities.
Sharing her experience during an interaction with a media delegation from Arunachal Pradesh, Ranjan, a female tourist guide associated with the Statue of Unity team, spoke about the transformation she has witnessed in the region since the development of the iconic tourism destination.
According to Ranjan, the growth of tourism has become an important source of livelihood for people in the area, while creating opportunities for women to step beyond traditional household roles and participate actively in the local economy.
Recalling her own journey, Ranjan said she was initially a homemaker and had limited exposure to professional work. Her engagement as a local tourist guide gradually changed that.
With regular interaction with visitors from different parts of the country, she said her confidence, communication skills and overall personality have developed significantly. The opportunity has also enabled her to become more independent and actively contribute to her family's livelihood.
Ranjan highlighted that women in the region are increasingly taking up different responsibilities within the tourism sector. From guiding visitors to supporting hospitality and other tourism-related activities, women are becoming an increasingly visible part of the workforce emerging around the Statue of Unity.
She described the tourism ecosystem as a lifeline for many local families, providing employment and opportunities that were previously limited or unavailable in the area.
Her story reflects a broader transformation taking place around Kevadia, where tourism has emerged as an important avenue for local economic participation. For women in particular, these opportunities have created a pathway towards greater confidence, professional exposure and personal development.
Ranjan’s journey reflects how tourism around the Statue of Unity is creating new opportunities and confidence among local women.