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

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.

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

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.