UNWTO/WORLD BANK AND THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM AND CULTURE ON WOMEN’S ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN TOURISM-FREETOWN FORUM.

“Celebrating women’s empowerment through tourism entrepreneurship”

THE OBJECTIVE OF THE WORKSHOP:

To disseminate the findings of the UNWTO Global Report on Women Enterprise Survey in Ghana and in Sierra Leon, and to discuss and identify key policy recommendations to promote women’s empowerment through tourism entrepreneurship.

Note that Women’s contribution to the economy of Sierra Leone is well below its fullest potential. In must sectors of the economy women entrepreneurs are are disadvantaged and face considerable challenges in growing their businesses.
In line with UN SDG 5:

to achieve gender equality and empower    women and girls. it is important to raise awareness of these issues and start to find sustainable solutions. Therefore, tourism is the correct and smart entry point for action.

Tourism is a priority sector for the Government of Sierra Leone. Tourism has been shown globally to provide more opportunities for women’s entrepreneurship and advancement than other sectors of the economy.

THE EXPECTED OUTCOME OF THE WORKSHOP:

1. Greater awareness and understanding of the constraints facing women’s economic empowerment and gender mainstream in the tourism sector.

2. Increase interest in women’s entrepreneurship within the tourism sector in Sierra Leone and the sub region.

3. Stakeholder commitment towards action to promote women in tourism in Sierra Leone.