By Amin Kef Sesay
On Friday, 27th November, 2020, at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Women In the Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL), held at the Swiss Hotel on Spur Road in Freetown, the President of the Sierra Leone Journalists Association, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, told female journalists that as they celebrate 13 years of existence, they should bear in ,mind that at that age the girl child is most problematic and very delicate to handle.
He furthered that at that age all sorts of problems and challenges emerge, and it is the ability to deal with such challenges that will make them strong. He furthered that the main body SLAJ is also froth with challenges, with diverse opinions and views on all subjects. Yet they have all managed to be together, and this had made the Association stronger by the day.
He also maintained that SLAJ will provide that cover and leadership to ensure that they progress.
“Age 13 is a crucial period for any girl child growing up. This is the age they start showing signs of maturity and they are open to many temptations. This is the period they need more attention and guidance. This girl child I am talking about is WIMSAL. I believe, if you stay together as women in the media, you will be able to make the right choices, take the right decisions in the interest of the general membership, and take the right direction into a future of prosperity.
As the parent body, it is the responsibility of SLAJ to provide that cover and guidance so that WIMSAL will stay united and speak with one strong and convincing voice on issues relating to the advancement of women in the media as well as women and girls across the country.”
He recalled the aftermath of the WIMSAL elections, which ended in acrimony between the various factions and an apparent disintegration in its ranks, and how SLAJ had tried and is still trying to restore that unity. He noted that there had been issues ion the organization before the elections, but noted tha breaking away is not the solution.
“Indeed, there have been issues with WIMSAL, even before their last elections. Every organization has its challenges, but I personally believe that breaking away is not the solution. In fact, it only multiplies the problem, because you are taking with you some of the problems when you leave.”
Nasralla furthered that problems or challenges are always around, but as the new body grows and members come and go, leadership changes, these challenges will emerge. He admonished them to confront the problems as a team and deal with it.
He called on WIMSAL to take a cue from SLAJ that though differences exist, SLAJ is still one strong body moving forward, and admonished them to discourage the hatred and rancor among them, appealing that as a united force, they will be able to break boundaries.
He also reminded members of the repeal of the draconian law and how this now paves the way for women to take their rightful place among their male counterparts in journalism. He furthered with this law gone, the need for capacity development of female colleagues is paramount, recalling the interview of the WIMSAL President on Radio Democracy over plans to empower female journalists with the launching of a scholarship scheme to help them enroll in professional courses, describing it as a step in the right direction. .
He expressed pleasure in being part of the program and being able to motivate and instill confidence in female colleagues and also to advocate for unity among them, and wished them happy and fruitful deliberations.
