Freetown, Sierra Leone – Sierra Leone is gearing up to host the prestigious UN Women in Tourism Africa Regional Congress from October 29 to 31, 2024. This monumental event, organized in collaboration with the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), UN Women, and supported by the African Union, will take place in the vibrant capital of Freetown.
With the theme “Beyond Empowerment to Education, Innovation, and Finance Access,” the congress is poised to redefine the role of women in Africa’s tourism industry by focusing on key areas such as leadership, financial inclusion, and the integration of technology.
Hon. Nabeela Farida Tunis, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, and Chair of the Women in Tourism Leadership Africa Committee (WITLAC), is at the helm of this groundbreaking initiative. Emphasizing the significance of the congress, Hon. Tunis stated, “This congress will provide a platform to enhance women’s leadership and equip them with the tools to access education, financial resources, and innovative technologies.” She sees the event as a unique opportunity to move beyond traditional empowerment dialogues and implement practical solutions that foster tangible change.
The three-day congress will bring together a diverse array of stakeholders, including policymakers, industry leaders, and women entrepreneurs from across Africa. The program will feature high-level panel discussions, case studies on gender-responsive policies, and workshops focused on expanding financial access for women in the tourism sector. A key highlight will be the focus on new technologies and digital tools, which aim to support and boost women-led businesses in tourism.
One of the congress’s standout features will be mentorship sessions designed to create connections between experienced leaders and aspiring female entrepreneurs. These sessions will focus on equipping participants with the skills and insights needed to thrive in an ever-evolving tourism landscape.
The event will conclude with a closed session chaired by Hon. Tunis, during which the Women in Tourism Leadership Africa Committee (WITLAC) Action Plan for 2025-2026 will be unveiled. This strategic blueprint will highlight fundraising initiatives and concrete actions to expand women’s leadership roles across Africa’s tourism industry.
In anticipation of the congress’s impact, Hon. Tunis remarked, “This is more than just a conversation; it’s a turning point for women in tourism. By coming together, we can ensure that women are not only participants but leaders in shaping the future of Africa’s tourism industry.”
The UN Women in Tourism Africa Congress is set to be a landmark event that will pave the way for greater opportunities for women and reinforce Africa’s tourism sector as a hub for innovation, leadership, and growth.
