29th-31st October, 2024- Bintumani International Conference Centre
Sierra Leone’s capital of Freetown has played host to the Women in Tourism Regional Congress under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs in collaboration with UN Tourism on the theme, beyond empowerment to education, innovation and finance access. The three-day event opened by the Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone brought together Tourism Ministers and Deputies from across Africa, UN Tourism Experts, women entrepreneurs and innovators from Sierra Leone and tourism stakeholders in the sub-region.
The congress aimed to advance beyond empowerment by equipping women in the tourism sector with the requisite access needed and actionable insights, multi-faceted support and equitable opportunities. Key priorities include enhancing mentorship, educational and training initiatives, fostering technological innovation and improving access to financial resources to facilitate women’s advancement into positions of leadership and influence.
In her opening remarks, UN Tourism Regional Director for Africa, Elcia Grandcourt stated that empowering women through tourism is a key priority anchored in the UN Tourism Agenda for Africa: Tourism for inclusive growth. She mentioned that Sierra Leone’s 10-year tourism strategic plan is charting a transformative course grounded in strong public private partnerships and attractive investment incentives. She highlighted their commitments in amplifying womens voices and recognizing their vital contributions. These sentiments were echoed by Saraphine Wakana, UN Resident Coordinator who committed UN support in building a thriving tourism sector
Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Farida Tunis prefaced her statement by welcoming members of WiTLAC and international and national delegates for been part of Africa’s journey in ensuring tourism benefits everyone. She thanked President Dr. Julius Maada Bio and the government of Sierra Leone for according the Ministry the opportunity to host this regional congress. She maintained that the Congress was a major milestone organized to chart the way forward as an actionable and inclusive agenda for women in tourism at the continental level. She appreciated UN Tourism Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili and the entire UN team for the kind offer of hundred scholarships.
Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh in his keynote address applauded the hosting of the congress in Freetown and commended delegates for their invaluable contributions to the changing dynamics in the tourism sector. He highlighted government’s commitments to the sector and it impact to the socio-economic development of the country. He stated that over the years, the tourism sector has seen rapid transformation and was identified as one of the country’s economic diversification sectors which makes it key in government’s Big-5 agenda. Dr. Jalloh emphasized that the theme of the congress speaks to the challenges and opportunities for women in the sector aimed to transition from empowerment to education and finance access to function adequately in the sector.
The high-point of the congress was the announcement of 100 scholarships from UN Tourism for women in tourism in Sierra Leone.
The congress featured several high level panel discussions and master classes on pertinent topics ranging from breaking barriers and paving pathways: women transforming the future of African tourism, advocacy strategies to leveraging digital transformation: opportunities for women entrepreneurs. “Tourism Fambul tok” craved the platform for women from diverse tourism backgrounds share their experiences with colleagues in the sector. Minister Nabeela Tunis chaired the Women in Tourism Leadership Africa Committee.
The event was grace by Mayor of Freetown, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, UN Women Head of Office, Sierra Leone, Jeromine Setcheme Mongbo, President of ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray and Lai Mohammed, former Minister of Tourism in Nigeria and Special Adviser to UN Tourism Secretary General.
The three- day event also comprised familiarization dinner with international delegates, morning walk, and tour to key touristic and cultural sites in Freetown. The final event was the Open Air Carnival staged at Gigibonta Car Park. It featured performances and award recognition to entities (National Dance Troupe, Big Market Women and musical icon, Amie Kallon) for performing well in the cultural space.
MTCA Communications
