SLAWIJ Holds Annual General Meeting
By George M.O Williams
The first Annual General Meeting of the Sierra Leone Association of Women in Journalism, SLAWIJ, was held on Monday, September 30, 2024, at the Bank Complex in Freetown.
The meeting explored the status of “Women in Journalism: Challenges and Opportunities” in a panel discussion with experienced media personalities including the first female President of the Sierra Leone Reporters Union, Kabia Yeanor; President of Women in the Media SL, Madam Eastina Taylor; Chairman, Guild of Editors, Theo Harding and lecturer at Fourah Bay College Dr. Williette James.
Keynote speaker, Prof. Marian Conteh-Morgan lamented on what she titled: “The three V’s for the transformation and professional growth of women in journalism” which are: Voice, Visibility, and Viability.
Other guest speakers such as the Chairman of the Independent Media Commission, IMC, Joseph Egbenda Kapuwa Esq. highlighted the crucial role of women in democracy and reiterated their commitment to promoting press freedom, gender equality and ensuring Women’s voices in the media are heard.
The Association also held elections for new Executive members and Regional coordinators, ushering the then interim Executive members, Millicent Kargbo as Newly elected Executive President, Aminata Finda Massaquoi as Director of Programs, Martha Kargbo as Director of Public Relations and Madam Abibatu as Director of Finance.
Financial statements were read by the Companies Auditors and several motions and resolutions were adopted. The meeting was adjourned to next year.
The Sierra Leone Association of Women in Journalism (SLAWIJ) is a national media association established in 2020 and registered as a Company Limited by Guarantee with the core aim of promoting the welfare of female journalists in Sierra Leone and increasing their visibility and impact in transforming the media landscape through professional development programmes and advocacy.
Over the years, SLAWIJ has been a voice of equality and empowerment for female media practitioners, women/girls, and the less privileged in Sierra Leone, using the media as a tool to advance issues that affect women.
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