By Abubakarr Harding
A one-day conference was organized on June 14th, 2023, at the CHASL CCSL Compound on Kingharman Road by the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), in collaboration with Irish Aid . The event was geared towards facilitating regional consultations on the development of a gender policy for the media.
The Financial Secretary of SLAJ, Mohamed Konneh, emphasized the importance of establishing a comprehensive gender policy for journalists, as it brings numerous benefits and fosters a more equitable and inclusive media landscape.
Konneh highlighted that such policies provide essential guidelines and frameworks that enable journalists to report on gender-related issues with sensitivity, accuracy, and fairness. By addressing the biases and imbalances in media coverage, a gender policy empowers journalists to contribute to a more balanced representation of gender in society.
One of the key benefits of a gender policy for journalists, as mentioned by Konneh, is its ability to counter gender stereotypes and biases prevalent in media narratives. By promoting gender-sensitive language, diverse perspectives, and inclusive story selection, journalists can challenge traditional norms and present a more accurate and nuanced portrayal of gender issues. This approach encourages a deeper understanding of gender dynamics and fosters empathy among audiences, dismantling harmful stereotypes and promoting social progress.
Konneh further emphasized that implementing a gender policy within news organizations supports the professional development and well-being of journalists. These policies can include provisions for training programs, mentorship opportunities, and support networks, creating an environment where journalists can thrive irrespective of their gender. By cultivating a diverse and inclusive newsroom, organizations can harness the unique perspectives and experiences of journalists, resulting in richer and more comprehensive storytelling.
The financial secretary also noted that a gender policy empowers journalists to tackle sensitive topics such as gender-based violence, discrimination, and inequality with the utmost care and responsibility. It guides reporters on ethical considerations, ensuring survivor-centric reporting and respectful treatment of individuals involved. This approach not only upholds journalistic integrity but also contributes to a more compassionate society that acknowledges and addresses gender-related challenges.
Furthermore, Konneh highlighted that a gender policy encourages the representation of diverse voices and experiences in media coverage. It promotes the inclusion of women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other marginalized gender identities as sources, experts, and contributors, amplifying their perspectives and ensuring their stories are heard. By actively seeking out and valuing these voices, journalists contribute to a more democratic and representative media landscape that reflects the realities of all individuals in society.
In conclusion, the development of a gender policy for journalists enhances media credibility and trust. By adhering to ethical guidelines and promoting balanced and inclusive reporting, news organizations can cultivate a reputation for fairness, accuracy, and accountability. This fosters trust among audiences, ensuring that journalism remains a reliable and indispensable source of information for societal progress. The development of a gender policy for journalists holds significant benefits for both the media industry and society as a whole. By challenging biases, promoting inclusive reporting, and supporting journalists’ professional growth, such policies pave the way for a more equitable, empathetic, and progressive media landscape. As journalists play a vital role in shaping public discourse, it is imperative to embrace gender policies as an essential tool for promoting equality and fostering positive societal change.
Dr. Williette James, the chairperson of SLAJ’s Gender Panel, who served as the lead facilitator, emphasized the importance of the training session in helping journalists understand the gender policy being developed for SLAJ. She strongly advocated for the comprehensive gender policy for journalists, as it is crucial in promoting equality and inclusive reporting within the media landscape. James highlighted that this policy provides journalists with the necessary guidelines and frameworks to approach gender-related issues with sensitivity, accuracy, and fairness. By addressing biases and imbalances in media coverage, a gender policy empowers journalists to contribute to a more balanced representation of gender in society.
She further emphasized the role of journalists in countering gender stereotypes and biases prevalent in media narratives. Through the promotion of gender-sensitive language, diverse perspectives, and inclusive story selection, journalists can challenge traditional norms and present a more accurate and nuanced portrayal of gender issues. This approach fosters a deeper understanding of gender dynamics and cultivates empathy among audiences, dismantling harmful stereotypes and driving social progress.
Dr. James also highlighted how the implementation of a gender policy within news organizations supports the professional development and well-being of journalists. The policy can include provisions for training programs, mentorship opportunities, and support networks, creating an environment where journalists can thrive regardless of their gender. By cultivating a diverse and inclusive newsroom, organizations can harness the unique perspectives and experiences of journalists, resulting in richer and more comprehensive storytelling.
She emphasized that a gender policy empowers journalists to address sensitive topics such as gender-based violence, discrimination, and inequality with utmost care and responsibility. The policy guides reporters on ethical considerations, ensuring survivor-centric reporting and respectful treatment of individuals involved. This approach upholds journalistic integrity and contributes to a more compassionate society that acknowledges and addresses gender-related challenges.
Moreover, Dr. James emphasized that a gender policy encourages the representation of diverse voices and experiences in media coverage. It promotes the inclusion of women and other marginalized gender identities as sources, experts, and contributors, amplifying their perspectives and ensuring their stories are heard. By actively seeking out and valuing these voices, journalists contribute to a more democratic and representative media landscape that reflects the realities of all individuals in society.
She concluded that the development of a gender policy for journalists enhances media credibility and trust. By adhering to ethical guidelines and promoting balanced and inclusive reporting, news organizations cultivate a reputation for fairness, accuracy, and accountability. This fosters trust among audiences, ensuring that journalism remains a reliable and indispensable source of information for societal progress.
David George from Awoko newspaper expressed appreciation to SLAJ for organizing the consultation on the development of a gender policy for media.
He highlighted that this initiative will help journalists work in a more comfortable and inclusive environment, ultimately leading to better reporting and representation.
