Women take centre stage at Sierra Leone tourism conference

Sierra Leone hosted the first Women in Tourism Regional Conference in West Africa, bringing together global industry leaders to address gender equality in Africa's tourism sector.

The landmark event, held in Freetown from October 29-31, saw key figures including Sierra Leone's Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh and UN Tourism Executive Director Natalia Bayona emphasise the crucial role of women in developing sustainable tourism.

Bayona highlighted that women lead 45 percent of tourism startups, actively driving economic recovery and business inclusivity. The conference included practical sessions on finance access, digital transformation, and leadership training, with a particular focus on empowering rural communities.

Tourism Minister Nabeela Tunis stressed the sector's importance for socio-economic growth and job creation, while UN Resident Coordinator Seraphine Wakana noted tourism's contribution to nearly 40 percent of the global workforce.

The event featured exhibitions showcasing local artisans and cultural products, alongside fireside chats led by industry leaders including Zimbabwe's Tourism Minister Barbara Rwodzi, who shared insights on successful gastronomy initiatives creating rural employment.

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Source: Business Day