“I think one of the major things that has always been the turning point was finding other, like-minded women who were there to help, to support and to build that supportive community that helped me reach this point where I am now today.” ​​​​​​~ Aneeqa AliIn this episode, Christine hosts a soulful conversation with Aneeqa Ali, Founder and CEO of The Mad Hatters, an experiential travel company for adventure-seekers to journey into some of the less explored areas of Pakistan. She also created Root Network, an organization that strives to create an equitable and inclusive tourism industry in Pakistan. The Root Network sponsors the Women in Tourism Fellowship in Pakistan, supporting recent graduates of travel and hospitality in reaching their goals within the tourism sector.Aneeqa shares the obstacles women face in Pakistan, both from her perspective as a traveler and a business owner in a male-dominated industry and patriarchal society. Christine and Aneeqa discuss:How travelers can inform themselves to break down misconceptions about placesStarting a travel business as a woman entrepreneurBuilding community connections to promote trustSharing about the places we loveBringing local voices into the travel conversation to limit the adverse effects of tourismWomen in the tourism industry of PakistanHelping travelers prepare for backpack and adventure travel destinationsJoin Christine now for this soulful conversation with Aneeqa Ali.LOVE these soulful conversations? We rely on listener support to produce our podcast! Make a difference by making a donation to Lotus Sojourns on PayPal.  Are you a Soul of Travel subscriber? Click here to subscribe to Apple Podcasts, so you don’t miss the latest episodes!Listener reviews help expand our reach and help us rise up the ranks! Rate and review your favorite episodes on Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast app.?​​​​​​​​To learn more about The Mad Hatters Pakistan, visit the website at https://themadhatters.pk/.To support and learn more about The Root Network, visit https://www.rootnetwork.org/. Connect with Aneeqa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-mad-hatters/Follow Aneeqa on Instagram or Facebook! Looking for ways to be a part of the Lotus Sojourns community? Learn more here!Find Lotus Sojourns on Facebook, or join the Lotus Sojourns Collective, our FB community for like-hearted women.Follow us on Instagram: @lotussojourns and @souloftravelpodcastTo read a complete transcript, see full show notes, and access resources and links mentioned in this episode, head to https://www.lotussojourns.com/podcast-episodes/episode118.Credits. Christine Winebrenner Irick (Host, creator, editor). Aneeqa Ali (Guest). Original music by Clark Adams. Editing, production, and content writing by Carly Oduardo.Support the show