By Amin Kef (Ranger)
On International Women’s Day 2023, commemorated on Wednesday 8th March, 2023 President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, in a statement, pointed out that the day is a significant one in the lives of women, not only in Sierra Leone but all over the world.
He said for ages, women have been suffering several forms of inequality and numerous discriminatory practices adding that the global occurrences leading up to 2023 and the notable actions taken by international stakeholders to curb inequality have resulted in the major steps being taken by local partners, especially women’s rights organizations and the Government of Sierra Leone for Sierra Leone to produce legal instruments that foster women’s empowerment.
The SLAJ President revealed how on Thursday, 19th January 2023, President Julius Maada Bio signed into law The Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) ACT 2022 an Act that requires public and private entities to reserve 30 percent of their jobs for women in a bid to tackle gender imbalances in a male-dominated society.
He said SLAJ applauds the Government for taking into consideration the felt needs of the women in the country, by enacting the law saying it is a great step towards ensuring gender equality in all spheres of society.
According to him, while SLAJ recognizes that discrimination, harassment and inequality on the basis of gender are not limited to the media, the Association acknowledges that gender inequality is a major challenge in the media in Sierra Leone.
He pointed out that the media in Sierra Leone is male-dominated, in terms of ownership and representation in leadership positions across individual media institutions as well as in SLAJ and its affiliate bodies. Out of a total of 718 active SLAJ members, he said, only 170 are women maintaining that there are significant changes in the electronic media but the print media still has a long way to go.
Nasralla stated that globally, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) focusing this year’s IWD celebration on “Women Reporting Conflicts”, reports that in 2022, 10 women were killed in the line of duty.
He said according to the IFJ; “Women journalists face extreme challenges while reporting on the ground, from military attacks and threats to police intimidation, surveillance, and systematic gender-based violence. Their safety is regularly put at risk, and many have developed their own tactics to stay safe.”
President of SLAJ revealed that Female journalists have fewer training opportunities, face discrimination and threats online in what they cover, and sexual harassment and intimidation in the workplace.
He stated that as we approach the June 2023 public elections, SLAJ is working with partners and Election Monitoring Bodies to ensure the safety and security of female journalists covering the elections as well as female politicians taking part in them.
According to him, the Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG) and the Women in the Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL) have organized capacity-building programs for female journalists adding that the MRCG’s draft policy on safety and security also captures issues concerning female journalists in the country.
He said for them in SLAJ, they choose to address the issue of inequality, harassment and intimidation by ensuring that they embed the GEWE Act 2022 within the Association.
“SLAJ commits itself through its Gender Advisory Panel which comprises members and people from civil society to institute affirmative action within the Association,” he further disclosed adding how the Association through a project supported by Irish Aid will launch a draft gender policy and do a nationwide tour to fine-tune its content for implementation this year. That policy, he said, aims to contribute to gender equality and women’s empowerment in all forms of media in Sierra Leone.
“SLAJ is committed to non-discriminatory practices and very proud to have women journalists as key members of our governing structure: the chairpersons for our Disciplinary Committee, the SLAJ Electoral Commission, and the SLAJ Gender Advisory Panel are all women,” he said furthering that while SLAJ does not have control over the employment and editorial policies of media houses, the Association commits itself to support efforts to formulate policies that make the newsroom conducive for female journalists.
He expressed his deep admiration and respect for women’s incredible strength and resilience everywhere saying despite facing systemic barriers and discrimination, women have made significant strides toward gender equality.
The SLAJ President informed that according to the World Bank, the proportion of women with access to formal employment has increased by 3.3% globally in the past decade, which according to him is a testament to the hard work and dedication of women who have fought for their rights and demanded to be seen and heard.
He said, however, the fact cannot be ignored that women still face immense challenges naming the COVID-19 pandemic which, he said, has highlighted the disproportionate impact of crises on women, with women being more likely to lose their jobs, take on care giving responsibilities and experience gender-based violence.
Nasralla said but amidst all of that, there is hope as Women have shown time and time again that they are capable of overcoming adversity and creating positive change.
He said, in fact, a recent study by the Harvard Business Review found that countries with more women in leadership positions have had better outcomes during the pandemic.
“So let us celebrate the progress we have made, but let us also commit ourselves to do more,” he enjoined adding that all must continue to advocate for policies that promote gender equality, including equal pay, paid parental leave, and affordable childcare as well as support women-led initiatives and organizations that are working towards a more just and equitable world.
The SLAJ President said together we can create a world where every woman has the opportunity to fulfill her potential and live a life free from discrimination and oppression.
He called to stand in solidarity with women everywhere and work towards a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
He took the opportunity to recognize Mrs. Bernadette Cole and the late Diasy Bona, two distinguished women in the media in Sierra Leone whose contributions toward the development of the media in the country continue to inspire more women coming into journalism.
