Today marks two years of the Sierra Leone Association of Women in Journalism (SLAWIJ).

SLAWIJ was established on 16 March 2020 by 18 Eminent Ladies in the Sierra Leone media landscape to promote the welfare of female journalists in Sierra Leone and increase their visibility to transform the media landscape through professional development programs and advocacy. It, therefore, stands as a voice of equality and empowerment for female media practitioners, women/girls, and the less privileged in Sierra Leone.

SLAWIJ recognises that gender inequality and inequity undermine the effectiveness of development, and it uses the media as a tool to advance issues that affect women in particular. Consequently, it harnesses the competencies of its members to give women’s and gender issues visibility in society.

Two years on! SLAWIJ has made tremendous strides in achieving its vision to build an informed gender-sensitive media with empowered women journalists. Through its partnerships and collaborations with the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, the United Nations Women, Integrated Trade Services, Legal Aid Board Sierra Leone, Defense for Children International, Internews, Orange Sierra Leone, and individual contributions from friends its family of Eminent Ladies.

Some of the key achievements include:

• We supported the fight against the Coronavirus pandemic, focusing specifically on mothers and children in deprived communities donating hygiene and handwashing kits and providing information that helped prevent the spread of COVID-19.
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• Developed a five-year strategic plan and has a membership of 97 female journalists and communication professionals.
• A special radio program in partnership with Legal Aid Board Sierra Leone called ‘Fambul Tok’ that raises awareness of gender-based violence.
• Leading Media activities on the campaign of the Gender Empowerment Bill 2021
• Supporting the She Leads Project to increase ethical media coverage on Women and Young Girls’ issues
• Contributed to the Bournemouth University research on Impact of Covid-19 on Journalists in Sierra Leone
• Collaborated with Fellows of the Mandela Washington Fellowship in the Women’s Communication and Leadership Conference to build the capacity of female journalists
• Engaged in a series of public education on International Celebrations, especially in schools
• Collaboration with Internews on research on online/offline harassment of public-facing women especially female journalists and women human rights defenders.

Journalism is one of many professions held in high esteem however female journalists face myriads of challenges, including abuse, sexual harassment, and marital issues. In addition, some women are restricted to anchoring less challenging programs compared to their male counterparts in the industry. Increasing the voice of women leaders and experts in the news can build greater trust among the audience and improve the quality of journalism.

For more information visit our website on www.slawij.com or on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SLAWIJ20/

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