Septi Fahmi Choirisa – Doctoral Researcher at The University of Surrey
Hi! I’m Septi Fahmi Choirisa (Choi), a doctoral researcher at the University of Surrey. With over a decade of experience as both a practitioner and academic in the hospitality field, I am currently focusing on strategic foresight in the Tourism and Hospitality sector. I am also a member of the Next Generation Foresight Practitioners group at the School of International Futures (SOIF).
Throughout my journey as a Muslim woman in this field, I have witnessed women excel professionally while maintaining their religious and cultural identities. Women’s roles in this sector bring nuanced perspectives and strong moral values
Muslim women have made significant contributions to decision-making and policy development, promoting inclusivity and ethical practices. Their involvement encompasses creating culturally sensitive products and services, implementing family-friendly workplace policies, and advocating for gender equality in leadership roles.
In education, Muslim women actively participate in industry conferences, lead research initiatives, and mentor future professionals. In recent years, there has been growing recognition of the importance of Muslims in tourism and hospitality. They offer unique insights that are invaluable in addressing the needs of diverse travellers, particularly within the expanding halal tourism market. Moreover, Muslim women travellers have emerged as a driving force in the industry.
By bringing their authentic selves to the workplace, Muslim women are excelling in their careers while paving the way for greater representation and fostering a deeper understanding of Muslim culture within the global tourism and hospitality industry.
What makes us special as Muslim women is our critical role in nurturing future generations. Our knowledge is essential for instilling Islamic principles and fostering intellectual development. Women, education, and empowerment are key to shaping future generations to be more knowledgeable, inclusive, and morally grounded.