By Ibrahim John Sesay
The Media Initiative for Women and Girls Empowerment (MIWGEM) has taken a major step in advancing women’s participation in the media by successfully hosting a two-day symposium and training on September 23 and 24, 2025 at the Special Court in New England Ville, Freetown. Held under the theme: “Using the Media to Raise Voices: The Power to Create and Amplify the Voices of Women and Girls,” the symposium gathered young women and girls from across Sierra Leone and connected them with seasoned professionals committed to fostering empowerment and change.
In her welcome address, Mabinty Kamara, a member of the Media Initiative for Women and Girls Empowerment, reminded participants that the training was designed to help them claim space in the media and raise their voices. She urged them to stay focused, embrace the opportunities before them and be part of meaningful change.
Founder and Coordinator of the Media Initiative for Women and Girls Empowerment, Adama Bai Conteh Esq., underscored the organization’s mission to equip women with the tools to shape narratives and challenge societal norms. She explained that since MIWGEM’s establishment in 2017 it has empowered hundreds of women and girls in the media to unlock their potential and lead change within their communities.
The symposium featured powerful testimonies from female leaders in the Sierra Leonean media landscape. President of Women in the Media Sierra Leone, Eastina Taylor, inspired participants with her journey into journalism, describing how storytelling became her tool to fight injustice and advocate for the voiceless.
Similarly, President of the Sierra Leone Association of Women in Journalism, Millicent Kargbo, shared her struggles and triumphs in the industry, encouraging participants to remain visible, resilient and impactful in every space they occupy.
The training also welcomed notable contributions from distinguished professionals and advocates. John Konteh, Marketing Director of Afrimoney Sierra Leone, emphasized the importance of building a credible media presence rooted in values and authenticity.
Award-winning Television Presenter and Executive Producer, Stella Bangura, guided participants on the art of storytelling and impactful interviewing, describing storytelling as the foundation of strong content creation.
International partners also added depth to the discussions. Exchange Coordinator at the United States Embassy in Freetown, Lansana Fofana, highlighted scholarship opportunities and exchange programs such as Mandela Washington, YALI Regional and the Fulbright Scholarship.
Alfred Halim Navo Esq., Head of Administration at the Embassy of Ireland, introduced the AMO method, Ability, Motivation and Opportunity, as a framework for aspiring professionals to succeed.
Practical sessions further enriched the symposium. Fatmata Kamara, Co-Cofounder of Girls Behind the Lens and professional photographer Jacob Lawrence Lahai provided hands-on lessons in photography, from mastering camera angles to understanding ISO, shutter speed and aperture.
Ronald Sesay, Co-founder of IPro Multimedia, shared his journey as a professional photographer and videographer for the Sierra Leone Football Association, encouraging participants to view photography and videography as powerful tools of storytelling.
Prominent voices in law and communications also made their mark. Abdul Malik Bangura Esq., a Barrister and Media Advocate, spoke on communication and public relations, stressing the need for self-assessment and confidence-building.
James Fortune, Executive Director of the West African Youth Network, introduced the ACE method, Assertion, Citation and Explanation, as a guide to mastering public speaking. He described public speaking as the art of effective communication that every media professional must learn.
Amadu Lamrana Bah, Co-founder of Truth Media, closed the symposium with words of encouragement, urging participants to tell positive stories and use their platforms to promote change. He emphasized that the lessons gained during the training must be put into practice to strengthen Sierra Leone’s media landscape.
The two-day symposium concluded with renewed confidence among participants, who pledged to apply their knowledge in amplifying the voices of women and girls through media. The event not only connected young women with influential mentors but also underscored MIWGEM’s pivotal role in creating a stronger, more inclusive media industry in Sierra Leone.
