Sierra Leone is gearing up to welcome the prestigious UN Women in Tourism Africa Regional Congress in Freetown from October 29-31, 2024.
The theme of the three-day congress is “Beyond Empowerment to Education, Innovation, and Finance Access,” and it is being organized in partnership with UN Tourism and supported by UN Women and the African Union.
The event will bring together influential leaders, policymakers, and women entrepreneurs from various African countries to discuss effective strategies for enhancing women’s participation in the tourism industry.
Despite women making up nearly 67% of Africa’s tourism workforce, they are often under-represented in leadership roles and face challenges in accessing education, finance, and technological innovation.
The congress aims to tackle these obstacles by moving beyond mere empowerment rhetoric and focusing on practical tools, resources, and solutions that will empower women to excel in the sector.
Attendees can expect high-level panel discussions, mentorship opportunities, case studies on gender-responsive policies, and a workshop on financial access. The event will also feature sessions on utilizing new technologies, digital tools, and business strategies to support women entrepreneurs in tourism.
Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including gender equality, quality education, decent work, and reducing inequalities, the congress is set to make a significant impact on the future of African tourism.
Hon. Nabeela Farida Tunis, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, emphasized the importance of the congress as a platform for creating a roadmap to advance women’s leadership and participation in the tourism sector.
Key figures such as Elicia Grandcourt, Director for Africa at UNWTO, will delve into discussions on promoting women’s leadership, enhancing access to finance and education, and implementing gender-responsive tourism policies.
The event will feature exhibitions showcasing the work of women in tourism from Sierra Leone and across Africa, facilitating networking opportunities and highlighting successful women-led ventures.
As Sierra Leone prepares to host this groundbreaking congress, it signals a significant step towards empowering women in the tourism sector by addressing their challenges and equipping them with the necessary tools for leadership and innovation.
