Sierra Leone and UN Tourism Partner for Women in Tourism Regional Congress
The inaugural Women in Tourism event launches October 29 2024
The UN Tourism Secretary-General and the Sierra Leone Ministry of Tourism & Cultural Affairs (MTCA) will host the inaugural Women in Tourism Regional Congress in Freetown from 29 to 31 October 2024.
Women in Tourism Regional Congress Core Priorities
- Advancing mentorship and education initiatives
- Promoting technological innovation
- Improving access to financial resources, while advocating for gender-responsive policies to propel women into leadership positions
The UN Tourism notes that women make up 54% of the global tourism workforce and 70% in Africa, yet they often occupy lower-skilled, underpaid, and informal positions.
According to UN Women, women undertake 2.5 times more unpaid household and care work than men, significantly limiting their financial independence and opportunities to thrive.
Barriers to Women’s Progress in Tourism
Despite their strong presence in the tourism industry, only 25% of decision-making roles are held by women, and the gender gap widens as one looks up the leadership ladder.
These statistics reveal the pressing barriers women face, including restricted access to finance, markets, technology, education, and training, further compounded by discriminatory laws and societal norms that impede their progression.
The three-day event aims to reshape the tourism landscape and provide opportunities for African women.
