The Sierra Leone Association of Women in Journalism (SLAWIJ) has as part of its activities during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence which started on November 25th partner with Patriotic Advocacy Network to take the campaign to over 200 pupils in Freetown.
The events which were held simultaneously at Government Rokel Secondary School for pupils in the West part of the city and Government Municipal Secondary School for pupils in the east discussed the importance of the 16 Days of Activism. This was an awareness raising session with the pupils to support their development.
The guest speaker at Government Municipal Secondary School Madam Augusta Foday-Kalone a Gender Activist spoke to the pupils on the different forms of violence and how they can be bold to express themselves and report gender based violence issues against them especially the girls.
She encouraged them to “focus on their education to carve a brighter future.”
Madam Sadia Marah, CEO of Total Woman Network our guest speaker for west, advised them to behave like school children. She also threw light on the negative use of social media by school pupils and to be very mindful of what they view or publish especially on Facebook, Whatsapp and other social media platforms.
The Executive President for SLAWIJ, Millicent Kargbo said her organization of female journalists feels passionate about the development of women and girls and hence dedicated their platform for the 16 Days Activism to raise awareness on gender based violence. She said since the campaign started her membership across the country has been hosting radio discussion programs bringing in experts, jingles, community engagement and campaign messages that are shared wide on social media. Mrs. Kargbo noted that as female journalists are influencers in their communities, their contribution to the campaign “will impact greatly on motivating the girls” to aspire to be like them.
She however noted that, SLAWIJ will continue its girl’s mentorship initiative which they started in October 2020. She said SLAWIJ is ready for partnership which organizations using its platform to support women and girls development in Sierra Leone.
