Sierra Leone is preparing to host the UN Women in Tourism Africa Regional Congress in Freetown, under the theme “Beyond Empowerment to Education, Innovation, and Finance Access,”
The three-day congress (October 29-31, 2024) is being organised in collaboration with UN Tourism, and supported by UN Women and the African Union.
Hon. Nabeela Farida Tunis (Sierra Leone’s Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs and Chair of the Women in Tourism Leadership Africa Committee – WITLAC), emphasised the significance of the event:
Tourism is a vital space where women can lead, but we must equip them with the right tools—education, innovation, and access to finance—to succeed. This congress is about action, not just words. We’re here to create a roadmap for advancing women’s leadership and participation in the tourism sector.
Tourism is not only about gender equality under SDG 5 but also touches on SDG 4 through education, SDG 8 through decent work, and SDG 10 by reducing inequalities. This congress is an opportunity to create synergies that can transform societies across Africa.
The event will gather prominent leaders, policymakers, and women entrepreneurs from across Africa to discuss practical strategies for advancing women’s roles in the tourism sector.
Emphasising innovation and education, the congress will also offer sessions on integrating new technologies, digital tools, and business strategies to support women entrepreneurs in the tourism sector.
The event aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 5on gender equality, SDG 4 on quality education, SDG 8 on decent work and economic growth, and SDG 10 on reducing inequalities.
Tourism plays a crucial role in Africa’s economic growth, with women making up nearly 70% of the continent’s tourism workforce.
Despite this, they are under-represented in leadership roles and face barriers in accessing finance, education, and technological innovation. This congress aims to address these challenges by moving beyond traditional empowerment rhetoric to focus on concrete tools, resources, and solutions that will enable women to thrive in the industry.
To attend the event, please register here.