In a historic move aimed at promoting gender equality within its media industry, the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has launched a pioneering gender equality policy to foster diversity and inclusivity within journalism associations, news outlets, and journalists across the country.
The Gender Equality Policy for the Media (GEP), which was launched on September 9, 2023, is among the first major initiatives specifically targeted at the news media in West Africa and the African continent at large.
As a forward-thinking Association committed to promoting social progress and equity, SLAJ recognises the urgent need for a more gender-inclusive media landscape. The GEP is designed to empower women and gender-diverse individuals by addressing systemic biases and promoting opportunities for their growth and leadership within the media sector. It further demonstrates the
commitment by SLAJ to take proactive steps to integrate gender equality and women’s empowerment in line with the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment, Act 2022.
According to the President of SLAJ, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, the policy represents a significant stride towards that ambition to foster a media landscape that reflects the diverse realities and aspirations of all practitioners, irrespective of their gender.
“This policy seeks to address equality and equity within the media ecosystem. Through this policy, SLAJ affirms its dedication to promoting gender sensitivity, not as an isolated endeavour, but as an integral part of responsible journalism. Our shared objective is to contribute to a society where the media is a catalyst for positive change, where narratives are rooted in empathy and respect, and where the full spectrum of gender identities finds a dignified place in the spotlight,” said Nasralla.
The Chairperson of the SLAJ Gender Advisory Panel, Dr. Williette P.R.O James, who supervised the development of the policy, said: “The media in Sierra Leone is vastly plagued with male dominance that has caused the industry to metamorphose into a state of unconscious patriarchy. This policy is a major step taken to tackle the issues of gender inequality and women’s empowerment within the media.”
Officially launching the policy, Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, said: “As a member of the SLAJ Gender Advisory Panel myself, let me first congratulate President Nasralla for the initiative. He promised me that he would develop a gender policy and he has delivered. This is a giant step forward for the media in Sierra Leone. To SLAJ members, I say getting the policy is just one thing but putting it into action is the next challenge. You have to make sacrifices to get this done.”
The SLAJ GEP for the Media was developed after a nationwide consultation supported by the Embassy of Ireland through a project titled: ‘Expanding Democratic Space in Sierra Leone, Media Capacity Enhancement to Promote Peaceful Elections, Women’s Participation, Public Interest, and Conflict Mitigation’.
The policy was finalised in consultation with media experts from the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ); Bournemouth University, UK; and Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, and then validated by media stakeholders. A major input to the policy from the validation meeting was the addition of a Gender Audit Checklist, in order to encourage media outlets and journalism associations to conduct individual gender assessments periodically.
The Embassy of Ireland’s Senior Governance Programme Advisor, Josephus J. Ellie, said: “The Government of Ireland is pleased to have supported the development of SLAJ gender policy. The policy aligns with priorities set in our governance and gender work in Sierra Leone as well as progressive policy and legislative reforms initiated by the government to reduce gender inequality. We look forward to the effective implementation of this policy by SLAJ and other media institutions in Sierra Leone.”
Key highlights of the GEP include guidance for news organisations and journalism associations to adopt and promote equal opportunities for women in terms of recruitment, appointment to leadership positions, remuneration, and training and education; besides facilitating gender sensitive work environments and reporting.
At its just-concluded AGM 2023 in Kenema City, members of the Association agreed to hold a meeting of media stakeholders and partners, including the Government of Sierra Leone, within the next three months to discuss the implementation of the policy.