Shocking Study: Female Diving Guides in Crisis without Benefits

A recent study reveals that over 80% of female diving guides in Quintana Roo, Mexico, do not receive holidays or benefits. The research was conducted by Diving Musas, a group of researchers from the Technological University of Cancun, the Caribbean University, and the Autonomous University of Quintana Roo, in collaboration with the civil association Karst Lab.

The study was presented at a forum titled “The Role of Women in Diving Tourism in the Northern Area of Quintana Roo.” This forum was part of the Women in Science Program, an initiative promoted by the Quintana Roo Council of Humanities, Science, and Technology.

The research focused on diving tourism in the northern municipalities of the state, including Benito Juarez, Puerto Morelos, and Solidaridad. The researchers identified the workspaces of tourist guides, which include specialized agencies, reefs, and cenotes.

To understand the demographics of the guides, the researchers interviewed 40 women who work in diving. They found that over half of these women have a master's or bachelor's degree, and all are bilingual. The majority are freelance workers, meaning they do not receive benefits.

The study also highlighted that these women's wages are dependent on their working days, and they do not receive paid holidays. They are responsible for their own medical insurance due to the high-risk nature of their job. Additionally, many have chosen not to have children due to the demands of their profession.

The research aims to shed light on the women working as diving guides, who are often overlooked despite their crucial role in preserving the state's cenotes and reefs. Quintana Roo is a popular diving destination, home to the world's second-largest reef barrier. In 2019 alone, diving tourism attracted about 13.6 million tourists and generated $725 million.