On Tuesday, October 29th, 2024, the Women in Tourism Regional Congress 2024 officially kicked off at the Freetown International Conference Center in Sierra Leone. This three-day event, which will run until October 31st, is organized by Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs in collaboration with United Nations Tourism. The congress aims to move beyond traditional empowerment efforts to focus on education, innovation, and access to finance for women in the tourism sector.
The theme for the first-ever Women in Tourism Regional Congress, “Beyond Empowerment to Education, Innovation, and Finance Access,” underscores the need for systemic change to achieve sustainable development and advance gender equality in tourism. In 2024 Women comprise a significant portion of the tourism workforce, accounting for 54% globally and 70% in Africa. However, they often find themselves in lower-skilled, lower-paid, and informal positions. This congress seeks to address these disparities by providing women with the tools and resources to succeed.
Minister of Tourism, Hon. Nabila Tunis, noted that despite years of gender equality initiatives, women in African tourism remain in low-skilled, low-paid roles due to systemic barriers. This congress seeks to shift the narrative by urging governments to support women-owned businesses and expand access to finance, education, and leadership opportunities.
Dignitaries from various organizations and countries attended the event, with Sierra Leone’s Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, delivering the keynote address. Vice President Jalloh highlighted women’s essential role in tourism through small businesses and cultural promotion. He also introduced plans to boost the sector, including increased funding, specialized training, and a 10-year strategic roadmap.
“Women are vital to every link in the tourism chain, from consumers to entrepreneurs, driving local culture, creating jobs, and boosting the economy,” said Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, Vice President of Sierra Leone.
Key Highlights
Educational Initiatives: Workshops and seminars aimed at enhancing women’s skills and knowledge in tourism, covering topics from leadership and management to digital marketing and sustainable tourism practices.
Innovation and Technology: Showcasing innovative solutions to help women entrepreneurs thrive, with opportunities to engage with tech experts and explore new tools.
Access to Finance: Connecting participants with financial institutions and investors, with sessions on securing funding, managing finances, and scaling businesses.
Networking Opportunities: Bringing together women from across the region for networking and collaboration, allowing attendees to share experiences and build professional relationships.
A Step Towards Gender Equality
By focusing on education, innovation, and finance, the Women in Tourism Regional Congress 2024 aims to create a more inclusive and equitable tourism sector. This event is not just about empowering women; it’s about removing structural barriers and providing multi-faceted support to ensure that women can advance into positions of leadership and influence.
As Sierra Leone hosts this significant event, it highlights the country’s commitment to gender equality and sustainable development in tourism. The outcomes of this congress are expected to resonate far beyond the borders of Sierra Leone, inspiring similar initiatives across the continent and beyond.
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