On International Women’s Day… WIMSAL President Calls for Greater Gender Equality

As the world observes International Women’s Day 2025, the President of Women in the Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL), Madam Eastina M.B. Taylor, has delivered a powerful call to action, urging continued efforts to address gender disparities in the media industry. Speaking on the occasion, Taylor reflected on the progress made since the 1995 Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, acknowledging the strides taken toward gender equality while emphasizing the challenges that still persist in ensuring fair representation and opportunities for female journalists. Over the years, WIMSAL has been instrumental in advocating for equal representation and gender-sensitive policies within the media landscape. Taylor highlighted some key achievements, including: Increased female leadership within the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) and other media institutions. Stronger gender-sensitive reporting on critical issues such as gender-based violence (GBV), reproductive health, and women’s rights. Adoption of gender policies by major media organizations like BBC Media Action Sierra Leone, which now enforce equal pay, anti-harassment measures, and maternity benefits. More female journalists receiving national and international recognition, a testament to the growing impact of women in the field. Digital media empowering women, giving female journalists a platform to challenge narratives and push for change without traditional gatekeepers restricting their reach. Despite these achievements, Taylor stressed that significant barriers remain for women in the media. Underrepresentation in leadership – Women remain a minority in editorial and executive roles, and a proposed 30% quota for female representation in SLAJ was recently rejected. Gender bias in reporting assignments, she said that female journalists are often assigned lifestyle and entertainment stories, while men dominate political and economic reporting. Online harassment and cyber-attacks, she stated that Women journalists, including Umu Thoronka, have faced targeted online abuse, discouraging them from engaging in digital spaces. Sexual harassment in media workplaces, she added that many female journalists remain silent due to fear of retaliation, with weak or non-existent policies providing little protection. Limited financial support for women-led media enterprises – Women entrepreneurs in media struggle to access funding, restricting opportunities to establish independent platforms. On behalf of WIMSAL, Taylor outlined key actions needed to build a more inclusive and equitable media industry: Promoting female leadership through mentorship, training, and affirmative action. Strengthening gender-sensitive policies to ensure equal pay, workplace safety, and protection against harassment. Encouraging gender-responsive reporting to ensure women’s stories are told fairly and accurately. Improving digital security for female journalists and enacting stronger laws against online harassment. Investing in women-led media enterprises through financial and technical support. Enhancing training for female journalists in investigative reporting, political journalism, and digital media technologies. Challenging gender biases in newsroom culture through advocacy and awareness campaigns. Building stronger national and international partnerships to advance media freedom and gender equality. Taylor called on government institutions, media organizations, and international partners to join forces with WIMSAL in creating a media industry where women not only belong but lead. “The media is a powerful tool for shaping public perception, influencing policies, and driving social change. But gender inequality in media remains a systemic issue that requires deliberate and sustained action,” she stated. As Sierra Leone and the world celebrate International Women’s Day 2025, WIMSAL reaffirms its commitment to breaking barriers, dismantling biases, and paving the way for future female media leaders. “Together, we can build a media industry where women not only belong but lead,” Taylor concluded.