At its AGM…WIMSAL Discusses Challenges, Opportunities for Advancing Gender Equality

Women in the Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL) has concluded its Annual General Meeting held at the University of Makeni (UNIMAK) hall from the 21-22nd of February this year. The event held on the theme: “The Role of Women in Media and Gender Equality: The Future of Women in Media Sierra Leone.” brought   together female media professionals from across the country to discuss challenges, opportunities, and strategies for advancing gender equality within the media industry. The AGM featured panel discussions, keynote speeches, and networking sessions aimed at empowering women in the profession. During the discussions, speakers including the Bombali District Chairperson Mohamed M.B Sesay challenged women in the media to take advantage of the opportunities provided by both the government and other development partners to demand their space, while encouraging professionalism in their practices. In his statement, the President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists, a parent body of WIMSAL Ahmed Sahid Nasralla spoke on the Theme: “The Role of Women in Media and Gender Equality: The Future of Women in Media Sierra Leone”. He added that it is both an honor and a privilege to stand before you today in a room filled with remarkable women—women who continue to break barriers, challenge stereotypes, and redefine the landscape of journalism in Sierra Leone. Today’s theme, “The Role of Women in Media and Gender Equality: The Future of Women in Media Sierra Leone,” is not just timely—it is essential. It compels us to reflect on our progress, confront persistent challenges, and chart a bold path forward for gender equality in the media. He continued by stating that for far too long, women have been underrepresented in the media. Gender disparities in leadership, discrimination, harassment in newsrooms, unequal pay, and ingrained biases have hindered the professional growth of female journalists. However, he said since assuming office as your SLAJ President, I have made it a priority—alongside my two successive Executives—to change this narrative. In my first manifesto, The SALT Manifesto, I committed to addressing gender imbalances in our media landscape. And we have been intentional about that commitment. He added that, one of our key arguments during the fight to repeal the criminal libel law was that it discouraged women from joining the profession. Since its repeal, he said we have witnessed an encouraging influx of young women into journalism, with membership in SLAJ and its affiliate bodies steadily increasing. He added that from a mere 10-15% female representation when I took office, we have seen a consistent rise, reaching an encouraging 30-35% by 2024. “But while numbers matter, representation and capacity building matter even more. In my first term, we secured three female executives at the national level—Vice President, Public Affairs Secretary, and Financial Secretary—and championed the election of the first female Chairperson of SLAJ’s Eastern Region. We also took deliberate steps to appoint capable women to key positions, including establishing the SLAJ Gender Advisory Panel led by a female colleague with extensive expertise in gender and media. Additionally, we appointed another outstanding female colleague to chair our disciplinary committee,” he stated, stating further that, in his second term, they maintained strong female representation in the Executive—Public Affairs Secretary, Organizing Secretary, and Assistant Secretary-General—while members further demonstrated their gender sensitivity by electing a formidable female colleague to lead the SLAJ Electoral Commission. He disclosed that, the pinnacle of gender equality efforts has been the launch and adoption of the Gender Equality Policy for the Media, made possible with support from the European Union through International IDEA. This policy, he stated that, is the foundation for a future where women in the media are not only present but empowered to lead. “Now, our focus must shift to implementation. The future of media in Sierra Leone must be inclusive, diverse, and equitable. This policy provides the roadmap for fair representation of women at all levels of media organizations, gender-sensitive editorial policies, and targeted mentorship programs to empower young female journalists,” he added, assuring that they are already witnessing an encouraging trend—women are increasingly taking ownership of media houses and stepping into leadership roles across print, electronic, and online platforms. “This must continue, and SLAJ remains committed to fostering an environment where female journalists can realize their full potential and make a lasting impact,” he stated. Furthering that, SLAJ has always been, and will continue to be, a strong supporter of WIMSAL as our very important affiliate body. He further recognized and applauded the critical work WIMSAL does in advocating for the rights and welfare of women in the media. Beyond words, he disclosed that their collaboration is built on action. “We will continue to work together to create safer workspaces, eliminate harassment, and ensure equal opportunities for women in the profession,” he assured. To the young women in this room, he said, be fearless, own your space, tell your stories with passion, demand your seat at the table and when given the opportunity—lead with integrity and excellence. I have always challenged you to Draw inspiration from two pioneering women who have paved the way—Bernadette Cole and Daisy Bona. Both were founding members of SLAJ.  Cole was a distinguished writer for the once popular West Africa Magazine, and she later pioneered the establishment of the journalism program at Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone. Today the program has developed into a full scale mass communication discipline which had produced hundreds of professionals who are now leaders of the media industry in Sierra Leone. Daisy was also a founding member of the West Africa Journalists Association (WAJA) and later becoming its first president. She holds the record as the only female president SLAJ has ever had. Daisy and Cole will also be remembered for their distinguished contribution to journalism in Sierra Leone and West Africa. Today we have many Daisys and Coles in print, electronics, and online to draw inspiration from, including of course, your vibrant, eloquent, and passionate President, Eastina Taylor. As we deliberate today, let this AGM mark a renewed commitment to gender equality in our industry. The future of women in media is not just about fairness—it is about strengthening journalism itself. A truly inclusive media landscape is one that reflects the richness and diversity of the society it serves. Finally, as my tenure as SLAJ President nears its end, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all of you for your unwavering support. It has been an incredible journey, and I am proud of what we have achieved together. But the work is far from over—let us continue pushing forward until gender equality in the media is no longer an aspiration, but a reality. The second day session of the event was exclusive to WIMSAL members, and its included the reading and review of minutes from the last AGM, as well as the presentation of the 2023–2024 financial report. Additionally, financial reports from the Northern, Southern, and Eastern regions are being presented and discussed. The Meeting ended with a dinner and award and certifications ceremony for its members and partner organizations.