As the world commemorates International Women’s Day, the President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), Alhaji Manika Kamara, has renewed calls for greater support, protection, and equal opportunities for women journalists across Sierra Leone.
In a message marking the 2026 observance of the global celebration, Kamara emphasized the need for sustained action to remove barriers that continue to limit women’s participation and advancement in journalism and other sectors of national life.
He noted that this year’s global theme, “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,” highlights the urgent need for societies to move beyond symbolic commitments and implement practical measures that guarantee equality and fairness for women everywhere.
According to the SLAJ President, while progress has been recorded in advancing women’s rights in many parts of the world, numerous challenges still prevent women from fully participating in leadership, economic development, and decision-making processes. He stressed that these challenges are particularly visible in developing societies where cultural norms, economic hardship, and institutional barriers continue to affect women’s advancement.
Kamara observed that in Sierra Leone, women play significant roles in sustaining families, supporting communities, and contributing to national development. Despite these contributions, he said many women still encounter structural inequalities that limit their ability to reach their full potential.
Focusing on the media sector, he pointed out that women journalists often face demanding working environments, societal pressure, harassment, discrimination, and fewer opportunities to rise into leadership positions. He said such challenges require urgent attention from media institutions, policymakers, and development partners.
“Women journalists remain among the most dedicated professionals in our media landscape, yet many continue to navigate difficult conditions while striving to uphold ethical and professional standards,” Kamara noted, adding that their resilience and commitment deserve greater recognition and support.
The SLAJ President highlighted several initiatives undertaken by the association to promote gender equality within the journalism profession. Among these efforts is the introduction of the country’s first Gender Equality Policy for the media sector, an initiative designed to address long-standing imbalances affecting women in the industry.
He explained that the policy, which received support from the Embassy of Ireland in Sierra Leone and the SLAJ Gender Advisory Panel, provides a framework aimed at improving workplace conditions, promoting fairness in recruitment and promotions, and encouraging inclusive leadership within media organizations.
Kamara further disclosed that the association has also been working with local and international partners to strengthen the capacity of women journalists through professional training programs.
With support from the European Union and BBC Media Action, dozens of women journalists have benefited from specialized training in public financial management reporting through the Budget Advocacy Network. The program aims to equip female reporters with the skills required to cover governance, budgeting, and accountability issues more effectively.
In addition, more than sixty women journalists are currently participating in digital media literacy training at the Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, an initiative designed to enhance their ability to operate in the rapidly evolving digital media environment.
Kamara also pointed out that the association continues to encourage the election and appointment of more women into leadership positions within SLAJ structures nationwide. He said increasing women’s representation in decision-making roles is vital for building a balanced and inclusive media sector.
The SLAJ leadership, he added, has been collaborating closely with Women in the Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL) to advance initiatives that promote women’s rights and professional development within the journalism community.
According to Kamara, a strong and credible media sector cannot be achieved without the active participation and leadership of women. He stressed that empowering female journalists ultimately contributes to better storytelling, stronger public accountability, and a more inclusive national dialogue.
He also encouraged journalists across the country to use their platforms responsibly by challenging harmful stereotypes and amplifying the voices of women and girls, particularly those living in rural and marginalized communities.
The SLAJ President further paid tribute to women journalists throughout Sierra Leone for their courage, professionalism, and dedication to informing the public and strengthening democratic governance.
“Women journalists continue to play a vital role in promoting transparency, giving voice to the voiceless, and shaping national conversations,” he said.
Kamara concluded by urging government institutions, media houses, civil society organizations, and development partners to intensify efforts toward creating safer and more inclusive environments for women journalists.
He stressed that achieving genuine equality requires collective responsibility and practical actions that will ensure women and girls enjoy their rights, access justice, and realize their full potential in Sierra Leone and beyond.