By: Aminata Jallow
The Women Journalists Association of The Gambia (WoJAG) organized a two-day training focused on Gender-Sensitive Reporting and Ethical Coverage of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) for 25 dynamic and mid-career female journalists from various media houses across the country. The event took place on Thursday, 27th February, at the National Medical Council along Bertil Harding Highway.
Annette Camara, the president of WoJAG, underscored the critical importance of this training.
With funding from the US Embassy under the PWD grant last October, the initiative is poised to make a significant impact. Camara actively urged women journalists to cover issues that affect women, driving the necessary changes to elevate women into leadership positions.
“We are calling on women in the media to embrace this opportunity and confront the challenges that come with it. We must dismantle the glass ceiling in Gambian media,” she asserted.
This training serves as a powerful kick-off for International Women’s Day activities, aimed at amplifying women’s voices and recognizing the vital contributions being made in communities.
Camara expressed concerns about the underrepresentation of women in media and challenged them to step forward with their microphones, pens, and phones.
“It is imperative that we report on issues affecting women and advocate for change that fosters female leadership,” she declared.
Sheriff Saidykhan, the vice president of the Gambia Press Union, dilated on the significance of the training, describing it as both essential and timely for enhancing the skills of female journalists in gender-sensitive reporting.
“The Gambia Press Union (GPU) has a robust policy on sexual and gender-based violence that zeroes in on preventing and addressing workplace sexual harassment within media organizations,” Mr. Saidykhan emphasized.
