Airbnb celebrated the journey of Airbnb Hosts and guests through a panel event ahead of International Women’s Day featuring actor Soha Ali Khan, singer and songwriter Lisa Mishra, entrepreneur Kirti Poonia and Airbnb Host Kakoli
The event was a celebration of gender equity and recognized the societal, economic, cultural, and intellectual contributions made by women in their respective fields
New Delhi, NFAPost: In India, Women Hosts earned over Rs 100 crores through hosting on Airbnb. In addition, Senior Women Hosts (aged 60+) in India earned more than Rs 200 million in India in 2022
Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Delhi and West Bengal are home to the largest share of women Hosts in the country.
Kickstarting the month that celebrates International Women’s Day, Airbnb hosted a panel discussion featuring actor and author Soha Ali Khan, Singer & Songwriter Lisa Mishra, Entrepreneur Kirti Poonia (Co-founder, Relove) and Airbnb Host Kakoli. The panelists shared their thoughts on ‘Embrace Equity’, which is this year’s theme for International Women’s Day.
Women power Airbnb’s community of Hosts in India and globally. More than half of the global Airbnb Host community comprises of women*. Many such Hosts are pillars to their local communities – employing other women, including some in marginalized communities, catalysing economic activity and contributing to regrowth.
Airbnb women Hosts in India cumulatively earned over Rs 100 crore in 2022**, according to Airbnb’s internal data. In addition to this, women Hosts over 60 years of age on Airbnb have earned more than Rs 20 crore in India in 2022, and for many of them, hosting provides essential income that aids in their retirement.
Airbnb promotes connection and belonging and we remain committed to celebrating our diverse community of Hosts and creating an inclusive environment that helps foster their growth and success. Many Airbnb Hosts are pillars of their local communities, and are supporting microentrepreneurs to drive gender equality, especially in marginalized communities.
Highlighting the importance of women becoming Hosts on the Airbnb platform, Airbnb India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan General Manager Amanpreet Bajaj said Airbnb is deeply committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within our host and guest communities.
“We recognise the unique value that women Hosts bring to our platform, adding a diverse perspective and energy that enhances the overall Airbnb experience for our guests. We strongly believe that women entrepreneurs are crucial drivers of economic growth, job creation, and social transformation,” said Airbnb India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan General Manager Amanpreet Bajaj.
To support women Hosts, Airbnb India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan General Manager Amanpreet Bajaj said the company works closely with communities of women around the world, helping them to unlock the potential of their homes and providing them with the necessary resources and knowledge to succeed as entrepreneurs.
“We are committed to fostering an environment of respect and inclusivity for all, and we are continuously working to strengthen our efforts to create a more diverse and equitable Host community,” said Airbnb India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan General Manager Amanpreet Bajaj.
Airbnb data also revealed that Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Delhi and West Bengal are the top 5 states with the largest number of women Hosts in the country.
Talking about her hosting journey, Host Kakoli who has been hosting in Delhi NCR and Pondicherry since 2013 said she started her journey as a Host on Airbnb when she ventured into the world of hospitality knowing nothing about the intricacies of running a business.
“Airbnb was a platform which made it easy for me to start and I have grown to list about 24 listings on the platform since then. I’ve had the pleasure of hosting guests from across the world and have also had the opportunity to hire more staff that helps me maintain and provide the ‘Superhost’ experience that my guests enjoy,” said Host Kakoli.
Host Kakoli said Airbnb has enabled her and many more such women, to gain financial independence over the years, and establish a successful entrepreneurial venture.
Actor and Author Soha Ali Khan said she feels ecstatic to see a shift in the needle with regards to women empowerment, especially in India but still feel that we have a long way to go.
The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day resonates with me, as I am a firm believer and propagator of gender equity. I applaud Airbnb’s efforts in helping women in the hospitality industry embrace equity and take on roles that truly make them happy, whilst working towards an independent future.”
