Sierra Leone Hosts Women in Tourism Congress, Empowering African Women Through Education and Innovation

Sierra Leone Hosts Women in Tourism Congress, Empowering African Women Through Education and Innovation

(IN SHORT) The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs of Sierra Leone, in partnership with UN Tourism, hosted the Women in Tourism Regional Congress, gathering over 500 participants from across Africa to discuss gender-responsive policies, access to education, finance, and innovation in the tourism sector. The Congress featured panels, workshops, and cultural sessions, with leaders and experts emphasizing support for women in tourism. UN Tourism awarded 100 scholarships to Sierra Leone to strengthen skills in tourism management, while the Women in Tourism Africa Leadership Committee (WITLAC) advanced its focus on education and financial access, reinforcing goals aligned with the UN’s Agenda for Africa and the SDGs.

(PRESS RELEASE) Sierra Leone, Africa, 2024-Nov-16 — /Travel PR News/ — The Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs of Sierra Leone, in collaboration with UN Tourism, recently hosted the three-day Women in Tourism Regional Congress, themed “Beyond Empowerment to Education, Innovation, and Finance Access.” The event gathered over 500 participants from diverse sectors across Africa, fostering discussions on gender-responsive policies, access to education, finance, mentorship, and technological innovation.

Key figures, including Sierra Leone’s Vice President Dr. Mohammed Juldeh Jalloh, local ministers, and international delegates from 12 African countries, contributed to the Congress. Sessions included panels, workshops, cultural activities, and a technical workshop developed by UN Tourism and Mastercard Africa to equip 80 women entrepreneurs with insights on navigating financial ecosystems.

During the Congress, UN Tourism Executive Director Natalia Bayona announced 100 scholarships for Sierra Leone in tourism management and international tourism law, aimed at enhancing skills and supporting women in tourism. The Congress also advanced the Women in Tourism Africa Leadership Committee’s (WITLAC) agenda, focusing on education, innovation, and finance access. The Congress underlined a commitment to gender equality and inclusive growth within Africa’s tourism industry, aligning with UN Tourism’s Agenda for Africa and the SDGs.

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Source: UNWTO

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