Breaking Barriers: WoJAG Equips Female Journalists with SGBV Reporting Skills

WoJAG Training group photo © WoJAG

By Haddy Ceesay

In a country where women’s voices in media remain underrepresented, the Women Journalists Association of The Gambia (WoJAG) is taking a stand. Through a two-day training program that concluded on 28th February 2025, the organization has empowered 25 female journalists with the tools to report on gender-sensitive issues, particularly SGBV, with professionalism and ethical responsibility.

Held at the Medical and Dental Council in Bakau, the workshop emphasized ethical journalism, particularly in reporting on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV). The training targeted mid-career journalists, providing them with the tools and knowledge necessary to report on sensitive topics like SGBV with accuracy, integrity, and sensitivity. A key focus of the session was promoting positive female representation in the media—an important aspect of WoJAG’s commitment to fostering gender equality in journalism.

This initiative aligns with WoJAG’s broader mission to support the professional development of women in media and ensure greater representation of women’s voices in news coverage.

In October 2024, WoJAG launched a $15,000 project funded by the U.S. Embassy in The Gambia, titled Empower Her Voice: Building Capacities for Change. The initiative aims to strengthen media engagement on women’s rights issues and promote a more inclusive media landscape that addresses gender-based violence while amplifying women's voices.

GPU VP Left, WoJAG President Center and WoJAG Board Member Right © WoJAG

During the session, WoJAG President Annet Camara shared insights from a recent nationwide tour of media houses, where she and her team engaged with community radio stations to better understand the challenges they face. The tour aimed to strengthen relationships with local stations and address critical issues such as employment practices, gender equality, and working conditions.

Camara expressed concern over the significant gender imbalance in staffing at community radio stations, revealing that during visits from the West Coast to Basse, no station employed more than two female staff members. She emphasized the urgent need to address gender disparities in media, particularly in employment opportunities, contract accessibility, and workplace conditions, including proper contract documentation.

“It is deeply troubling to see such a stark gender gap in community radio stations,” Camara stated. “Our goal is to ensure that women in journalism have equal opportunities for employment, career advancement, and fair working conditions.”

Her remarks reinforced WoJAG’s ongoing commitment to tackling gender inequality and advocating for better employment practices and professional development opportunities for women in The Gambia’s media industry.

Camara encouraged journalists to use their platforms to drive change and support women in leadership roles, emphasizing the media’s crucial role in reshaping societal perceptions of gender equality.

Delegates at Training © WoJAG

At the training, Gambia Press Union Vice President Sheriff Saidykhan underscored the importance of the Cherno Jallow Charter for Ethics in guiding journalists on gender-sensitive reporting. He highlighted the charter’s role in addressing gender-related issues and exposing all forms of gender-based violence.

“This training equips women journalists with the knowledge and tools needed to amplify the voices of SGBV survivors,” Saidykhan stated, stressing the importance of ethical and responsible reporting on sensitive topics. He encouraged participants to continue producing impactful, in-depth stories on women’s issues, particularly SGBV, underscoring journalism’s critical role in shaping societal attitudes and advancing gender equality.

Saidykhan concluded by noting that the 25 trained journalists are now well-prepared to transform how women’s stories are represented in The Gambia, fostering a more inclusive and impactful media landscape.

By empowering women journalists with the skills to report on sensitive topics like SGBV, WoJAG is not just enhancing media practices—it's creating a ripple effect that will impact The Gambia’s media landscape for years to come. The training is a step forward in breaking down gender barriers in journalism, ensuring that women’s voices continue to shape public discourse and promote gender equality across all platforms.