By Mary Kabay
The Sierra Leone Association of Women in Journalism (SLAWIJ) celebrates its second year anniversary on the 16th March 2022 which marked the foundation day of the organization as it was established on that date in 2020.
Two years of the existence of the Sierra Leone Association of Women in Journalism (SLAWIJ) in existence has created tremendous impact in changing the narrative of female journalists and other female-led organizations in the country.
Giving a historical run down of the Association, Eminent Lady Millicent Kargbo intimated that SLAWIJ was established on the16th March, 2020 by 18 Eminent Ladies within the Sierra Leone media landscape with the aim of promoting the welfare of female journalists in Sierra Leone, increase their visibility in their bid to transform the media landscape through professional development programs and advocacy.
She continued by explaining that their thematic focus is to stand out as a voice of equality and empowerment for female media practitioners, women/girls, and the less privileged in Sierra Leone.
The Executive President in dilating on gender issues pointed out that SLAWIJ recognizes that gender inequality and inequity put barriers that impede the effective work of journalists in the country.
Madam Millicent disclosed how the Association is harnessing the potentials of its members to give women and gender issues visibility in society.
It goes without saying that two years on SLAWIJ has made tremendous strides in achieving its vision to build an informed gender-sensitive media with empowered women journalists. Through its partnerships and collaborations with the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, the United Nations Women, Integrated Trade Services, Legal Aid Board Sierra Leone, Defense for Children International, Internews, Orange Sierra Leone, and individual contributions from friends its family of Eminent Ladies many issues have been discussed and action points adopted implemented.
Referencing some of the key achievements, she stated that they include: Supporting the fight against the Coronavirus pandemic by focusing specifically on mothers and children in deprived communities, donating hygiene and handwashing kits and providing information that helped prevent the spread of COVID-19.
She also disclosed how they have also developed a five-year strategic plan and has a membership of 97 female journalists including communication professionals.
The Executive President mentioned the commencement of a special radio program in partnership with the Legal Aid Board Sierra Leone called ‘Fambul Tok’ that raises awareness on gender-based violence.
She also highlighted leading Media activities on the campaign of the Gender Empowerment Bill 2021, supporting the She Leads Project to increase ethical media coverage on Women and Young Girls’ issues, contributed to the Bournemouth University research on Impact of Covid-19 on Journalists in Sierra Leone, collaborated with Fellows of the Mandela Washington Fellowship in the Women’s Communication and Leadership Conference to build the capacity of female journalists, engaged in a series of public education programmes on International Celebrations, especially in schools, collaborated with Inter-news on research on online/offline harassment of public facing women especially female journalists and women human right defenders.
She concluded by mentioning some of the challenges female journalists face which includes abuse, sexual harassment and marital issues.
“In addition, some women are restricted to undertaking less challenging assignments or programs compared to their male counterparts in the industry,” she underscored adding that increasing the voice of women leaders and experts in the news can build greater trust among the audience and improve the quality of journalism.
