Women in Tourism Regional Congress statement by Resident Coordinator Seraphine Wakana.

Sierra Leone stands out as a unique destination, requiring visitors to traverse air, water, and land to reach its capital. This journey offers a front-row seat to the country's abundant tourism potential, showcasing its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and diverse biodiversity. 

So, for those who have travelled the length and breadth of the world to attend this Women in Tourism Regional Congress, I am deeply honoured to join you this morning at this event dedicated to advancing gender equality and unlocking opportunities in education, innovation, and finance access within the tourism sector. While at it, let me say, "Una- adu- O. Una Tenki for cam c Mama Salone." – (welcome and thank you for coming to Mama Salone."

Excellencies, Ladies and gentlemen, Tourism offers transformative opportunities, particularly for women, by fostering self-reliance, building communities, and contributing meaningfully to Sierra Leone's economy. Recent research by the World Travel & Tourism Council (2024) says that women accounted for 54% of the total employment in the global travel and tourism industry. Women in the sector comprise a significant portion of the sector's workforce, accounting for nearly 40% of the total employment. This marks a substantial increase from 2010 to 2019, highlighting a 24% surge in direct female employment within the sector, increasing from 38.6 million to 47.8 million.

However, to maximize this potential, we must tackle the barriers women face in this sector, including access to quality education, innovative technologies, and equitable finance. 

At the United Nations, we are proud to collaborate with the government in actively supporting tourism as a key pillar of sustainable development. Through the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2025-2030), we align our efforts with the Government's Medium-Term National Development Plan, embedding sustainable tourism in national policy frameworks to drive economic empowerment, protect cultural heritage, and promote environmental sustainability.

The empowerment of women in the tourism sector is not just a standalone initiative. It intersects with multiple Sustainable Development Goals, amplifying its impact on the broader economic landscape of Sierra Leone. It is not possible to realize the full human potential and achieve sustainable development if half of humanity does not have equal opportunities, especially in the labour market, and especially in a segment of the economy where women comprise most of the workers

Our initiatives extend beyond empowerment, focusing on advancing educational opportunities, harnessing innovation, and promoting financial inclusion in the tourism sector.

In support of the Government's priorities in the tourism sector, UNDP, for example, is working closely with the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs to procure two coaches to increase the efficiency of travellers to and from the airport with ease. To support this effort, UNDP is also working with them to rehabilitate two ferry terminals, which would provide an alternative for coming to and from the city while enjoying the pristine view the country offers. Additionally, we are also in the process of procuring the services of a company that would construct a canopy walk at the Tacugama Sanctuary in Freetown.  To increase the capacity of those in the hotel and tourism industry, we are working towards reviewing and improving the curriculum at the Hotel and Tourism Training College. 

However, I must also point out that one of the core barriers facing women in tourism is limited access to financing options. Together with our financial partners, the UN advocates for and facilitates access to micro-loans, grants, and financial literacy programs tailored to women-led tourism enterprises. This approach is key in advancing Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities, ensuring women-led businesses have the financial means to grow and contribute to Sierra Leone's tourism economy.

Ladies and gentlemen, as we gather here today, let us remember that empowering women in tourism is more than a policy objective—it is a transformative approach to building resilient communities, preserving Sierra Leone's heritage, and fostering inclusive growth. Together, we can ensure that women in tourism move beyond empowerment to become leaders, innovators, and change-makers who shape the future of this industry.

The United Nations is unwavering in its commitment to Sierra Leone, standing by the country in its journey to build a thriving tourism sector where women lead, innovation flourishes, and sustainable growth benefits all.

Thank you.