Sierra Leone and UN Tourism Host Inaugural Women in Tourism Congress to Transform Opportunities for African Women

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

The Sierra Leone Ministry of Tourism & Cultural Affairs, in partnership with UN Tourism, is thrilled to host the inaugural Women in Tourism Regional Congress. Set to transform the future of African women in tourism, this landmark three-day event in Freetown from October 29-31, 2024, will focus on expanding education, introducing technological advancements, and increasing financial access.

In the tourism sector, women constitute 54% of the global workforce and 70% in Africa. Despite this, they often find themselves in lower-skilled, underpaid roles. UN Women reports that women perform up to 2.5 times more unpaid household and care duties than men, a factor that severely limits their financial and professional growth. Even though they are a dominant force in the industry, women hold only 25% of decision-making positions. The gap in leadership roles becomes more pronounced higher up the hierarchy, highlighting the significant obstacles they face, such as limited access to financing, markets, technology, and education, alongside societal and legal challenges.

The congress aims to tackle these issues head-on, in alignment with SDG 5 and the UN Tourism Agenda for Africa’s “Tourism for Inclusive Growth” initiative. Under the guidance of Hon. Minister Nabeela Farida Tunis, the gathering will not only empower but provide practical tools and equal opportunities for women. Key areas of focus will be mentorship, educational advancements, technological empowerment, and enhanced financial access, all underpinned by a push for policies that support gender equality in leadership roles.

This event coincides with Sierra Leone’s 10-year National Strategic Tourism Plan and its “Tourism for All” campaign, underscoring a commitment to inclusivity and leveraging the untapped potential of women to boost the nation’s burgeoning tourism sector.

Educational and Technological Empowerment

The congress will include engaging panel discussions, personal success stories, and sessions on best practices for addressing gender disparities in tourism. It will spotlight the importance of mentorship and education in advancing women’s careers and offer specialized training to hone leadership and industry-relevant skills. Additionally, the role of technology and innovation will be emphasized, encouraging women to adopt new digital tools and develop skills in digital marketing and data analytics, thereby fostering an innovative mindset essential for thriving in a dynamic marketplace.

Financial Access Workshop

A pivotal workshop will run concurrently with the congress, aimed at boosting the financial acumen of women entrepreneurs and leaders within the tourism industry. This session will cover essential topics like securing microfinance and small business loans, crafting effective business plans, and strategic financial planning. Participants will also enhance their investor pitching skills, crucial for securing funding and driving business growth.

Cultural Integration and Networking

Participants will also experience Freetown’s rich cultural heritage through local crafts displays and a festive open-air carnival, marking the congress’s conclusion. This celebration will highlight the critical role of cultural and creative industries in enhancing the tourism landscape and advancing women’s roles within it.

By focusing on these comprehensive themes, the Women in Tourism Regional Congress promises to be a transformative event, charting a new course for women’s robust participation in Africa’s tourism industry.

• Kenya Tourism Board Celebrates the Success of the Magical Kenya Travel Expo, Paving the Way for 2.5 Million Tourists with Strategic Global Partnerships and New Initiative

• African Travel and Tourism Association (ATTA®) appoints Kgomotso Ramothea as Chief Executive Officer alongside James Haigh, reinforcing a powerful commitment to African tourism

• Kenya Sets New Tourism Milestones with 9 Circuits Designed to Boost Traveler Engagement and Sustainability

• A New Era for Africa: Tourism as a Catalyst for Economic Development

• Botswana Focuses on Intra-Africa Travel at Tourism Forum