Sierra Leone and UN Tourism Collaborate to Empower Women in the Tourism Industry

The Republic of Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, in partnership with UN Tourism, has announced the Women in Tourism Regional Congress. The three-day event is set to be held from October 29 to 31, 2024, in Freetown, Sierra Leone. The congress aims to improve opportunities for African women in the tourism sector through enhanced education, technological innovation, and better access to financing.

Women comprise 54% of the global tourism workforce and 70% in Africa. However, they are often relegated to lower-skilled, underpaid positions. UN Women reports that women undertake 2.5 times more unpaid household and care work than men, which limits their financial independence and opportunities for advancement. Only 25% of decision-making roles in the tourism industry are held by women, with the gender gap increasing at higher levels of leadership. The barriers women face include limited access to finance, markets, technology, education, and training, as well as discriminatory laws and societal norms.

The congress, which aligns with Sierra Leone’s 10-year National Strategic Tourism Plan and its “Tourism for All” campaign, will address these challenges. The aim is to provide women with the tools and support they need to succeed, including mentorship and education initiatives, access to technological innovation, and financial resources. The congress also advocates for gender-responsive policies to help women attain leadership positions.

Panel discussions, showcases of successful women-led initiatives, and training programs designed to enhance leadership and industry-specific skills will be featured at the congress. Technological innovation will be emphasized, with women being encouraged to adopt digital tools and gain expertise in areas like digital marketing and data analytics.

A technical workshop on accessing finance will also be held. The workshop aims to improve financial literacy and access to capital for women entrepreneurs, managers of tourism businesses, representatives from women-led NGOs, and government officials involved in tourism and economic development. Topics will include securing microfinance and small business loans, crafting effective business plans, and developing financial strategies.

The congress will conclude with a celebration featuring local craft displays and an open-air carnival, highlighting the role of cultural and creative industries in the tourism sector.