Women In The Media Sierra Leone

Congratulations to Madam Betty Alimamy Sesay for achieving a Master's in Education and to our former chairperson Madam Fatmata Kuyateh for earning a Bachelor of Arts from Ernest Bai Koroma University of Science & Technology. Your dedication and hard work have led to this significant achievement.

WIMSAL is proud to celebrate your success and wishes you two a continued success in your future endeavors. Well done!

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In 2023, Women in the Media Sierra Leone has been a beacon of empowerment, resilience, and advocacy. Together, we've amplified the voices of women, fostered inclusivity, and made strides toward a more equitable media landscape.

As we embrace the spirit of Christmas, let's cherish the moments of togetherness with family and friends. May the New Year bring fresh opportunities, growth, and continued success in our collective mission.

Let's carry the spirit of unity, support, and empowerment into the coming year.

Together, we can create a brighter future for women in the media/Sierra Leone and contribute to positive change in the Country.

As part of the ongoing 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, today marks Day 8. In a collaborative effort, the Rainbo Initiative, in partnership with WIMSAL North and the Ministry of Gender and Children's Affairs, has organized a sponsored walk in Makeni city.

This event brings together survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) for a meaningful and empowering walk, shedding light on the importance of solidarity, awareness, and support in combating SGBV.

Meet the remarkable Edna Amie Ngegba our distinguished Woman Crush this Wednesday. Edna's educational journey took her from UBC Primary School in Moriba Town to St. Joseph's Secondary School in Makeni, where she completed her high school. Later, she pursued a Higher's Certificate in Home Economics at Northern Polythetic and went on to achieve a Diploma in Mass Communication and a Certificate in Development Communications at UNIMAK. Currently, she is pursuing a Mass Communication degree at EBK University.

Edna is a trailblazer, presently holding the position of Head of Department of Home Economics at Benevolent Secondary School. Simultaneously, she serves as the producer of programs at Radio Maria Makeni. Edna has etched her name in history as the only female court journalist in the North, reporting on both Magistrate and High Court proceedings across various media houses in Bombali.

Her achievements extend beyond her professional roles. Edna has collected numerous awards for her activism, earning the title of the Best Female Journalist since 2020 in Makeni and she is also among the Best 50 Influential Women in Bombali.

Through her dedication, Edna has collaborated with national and international organizations on fellowships. She has also played a pivotal role in training journalism students from UNIMAK, guiding them through practicals at Radio Maria. Edna is a mentor to many young individuals.

Currently serving as the Regional Chairperson for Women in the Media (WIMSAL) North, Edna Amie Ngegba stands as a symbol of resilience, achievement, and mentorship in the field of journalism. 👩‍💼🎙️

Heartfelt Appreciation to First Lady Dr. Mrs. Fatima Maada Bio 🌺

We extend our deepest gratitude to the First Lady of Sierra Leone Dr. Mrs. Fatima Maada Bio for commemorating the UN World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Violence. It was truly an honor for Women in the Media Sierra Leone to be part of this significant event, where First Lady Fatima Maada Bio generously awarded scholarships and start-up grants to survivors of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV).

Her commitment to addressing SGBV issues is commendable, as evidenced by her generous donation of 100 million each to organizations championing this critical cause. 👏👏👏 Your dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of survivors is truly inspiring. Thank you for your unwavering support! 🌸💙

🎉 Celebrating 16 Years of Excellence! 🎊

🎉 Today, on the 20th of November, Women in the Media Sierra Leone proudly celebrates its 16th anniversary. Sixteen incredible years dedicated to empowering female voices in the media and advocating tirelessly for the rights and well-being of women and girls in Sierra Leone. Here's to the past, present, and future of making a positive impact!

A heartfelt congratulations to every member and guest who joined us on Friday and Sunday to mark this significant milestone. It's truly an honor to commemorate our 16th anniversary, and we couldn't be prouder of each and every one of us for making this journey remarkable.

Gratitude abounds for the strong bond of sisterhood that unites us. Together, as national and regional executive members, we extend our warmest congratulations to all, acknowledging the collective effort that brought us here.

A special thanks to Leone Rock Metal Group- Sierra Leone Rachel Monjama Horner, Elizabeth M. Campbell Princetta Christiana Williams for supporting us financially and in other ways.

Cheers to the power of unity, resilience, and the enduring spirit of Women in the Media in Sierra Leone!

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🎉 Celebrating Men on International Men's Day! 🌟

As International Men's Day Coincide with WIMSAL's 16-year anniversary, WIMSAL North proudly honors 20 outstanding men across Sierra Leone for their remarkable contributions to various fields. 🏆 From Makeni to Freetown, PortLoko to Lunsar, we acknowledge journalists, politicians, civil society workers, law officers, teachers, and local authorities.

In a statement, WIMSAL North Regional Chairperson Edna Amie Ngegba expressed the importance of recognizing men on this day, highlighting the need for equal celebration. The 20 recipients, including Stanley Bangura Jr, Alie Amara Conteh, Patrick Conteh, Billy Momodu Kamara Esq, Dr. Mohammed M.B Sisay, Abu Bakarr Kamar, Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, Sahr James Bangah, Thomas Thompay Conteh, Justice Desmond Babatunde Edwards, PC Salifu Manna Kalawa III, Prof. Alhaji Brima Gogra, Sheka Yollah Bangura, Alhassan K. Kamara, Osman Justin Conteh, Momoh Lawrence Turay, Abdul Osman Turay, Dr.Alpha Kabba and Mohamed Speaking Kamara expressed gratitude for this initiative, pledging continued support for women's empowerment.

Madam Yakoya Kamara, the Region Vice Chairperson, emphasized the significance of men in society and encouraged mutual respect between genders. Let's celebrate these unsung heroes and unite in fostering gender equality and social progress! 🌐💙

@16

This week, we celebrate the dynamic duo, Kadijah Bangurah and Mabel Kabba, as our Women Crush Wednesday. With over a decade of experience in the field of journalism, they proudly serve as the managing partners of the new innovative Liberty Online TV.

Liberty Online TV is not just an online media company; it's a force driving positive change in modern-day media within and beyond Sierra Leone. Kadijah and Mabel lead with a vision to shape the future of media, supported by a dedicated team of young professionals and change-makers.

Their commitment shines through as they embark on producing widely accessible and impactful content. Liberty Online TV focuses on critical issues such as Good Governance, Democracy, Human Rights, Disability, Women and Girls' Rights, Climate Change, and Peace in Sierra Leone.

Kadijah Bangurah and Mabel Kabba stand at the forefront of a new era in media, demonstrating that with passion, experience, and a dedicated team, they can foster positive change and contribute meaningfully to important societal discussions.

In the face of adversity, let our voices resonate louder than ever. On this International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, we stand with unwavering resolve.

Together, we champion justice, protect truth, and defend the brave storytellers who risk it all for the sake of informing the world. With unity as our strength, let us ensure that journalism remains a beacon of light, undeterred by threats. Our collective voice will prevail, dismantling impunity and upholding the pillars of democracy.

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Meet our Wednesday Crush Woman for this week ,Patricia Sia Ngevao, a dedicated reporter for Awoko Publications Limited, whose academic journey led her to the prestigious Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Mass Communication with a specialization in print media.

Patricia's journalism is characterized by an unwavering passion for shedding light on crucial societal issues, particularly focusing on women’s rights, health, education, agriculture, migration, anti-conflict efforts, and the empowerment of minority communities.

Her impact in the field of journalism has been acknowledged, as she proudly stands as a recipient of the 1st National Inclusive and Anti-Conflict Reporting Awards. This recognition underscores her commitment to addressing issues often overlooked by mainstream media.

Patricia's journalistic skills are diverse, ranging from compassionate storytelling to investigative acumen. With heartfelt dedication, she amplifies the voices of marginalized individuals, making a tangible difference in the world of reporting.

She firmly believes that her journey as a passionate journalist serves as an inspiring narrative of commitment to positive change, making her a shining star in the realm of print journalism.

We wholeheartedly congratulations her on her achievement as the winner of 1st National Inclusive and Anti-Conflict Reporting Awards.

Our Wednesday Crush Woman this week is Alphinia Thompson, a powerhouse in the media profession with an impressive 15-year journey. Currently serving as the Editorial Assistant and Head of Programs at Radio Maria Sierra Leone, she exemplifies dedication and expertise in her role.

Alphinia's contributions to the media landscape are substantial, having started her career at renowned platforms like Radio Democracy, Skye Radio, and now at Radio Maria Sierra Leone. Her diverse experience showcases her versatility and passion for quality journalism.

In addition to her role as an Editorial Assistant, Alphinia holds a significant position as the Organising Secretary of SLAJ, demonstrating her leadership within the industry.

Notably, she has served as a Commissioner of the Independent Media Commission, highlighting her expertise and influence in shaping media regulations.

Alphinia Thompson's journey is a testament to her resilience, knowledge, and commitment to the media profession. Today, we celebrate her achievements and honor her as a role model for aspiring journalists.

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Woman Crush Wednesday:

Meet Salmata Bah, an embodiment of excellence in journalism and an inspiration to aspiring female journalists in Sierra Leone. Currently, she holds the prestigious position of TV Executive Producer at Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC), showcasing her remarkable talent and dedication to the field.

Beyond her professional achievements, Salmata is a loving mother to three beautiful girls, balancing the roles of a successful career woman and a nurturing parent with grace and determination.

Salmata's journey in journalism commenced in 2002, a time when very few women dared to venture into this challenging profession. She became a trailblazer, setting an example for future generations of female journalists. Many young women today grew up watching her on screen, aspiring to emulate her success and determination.

Her impact is immeasurable; she and other brave women have paved the way for countless individuals in the field. Salmata's resilience and unwavering commitment to addressing women and girls' issues have not only made her a prominent figure in journalism but also a beacon of inspiration for us all.

Today, we celebrate Salmata Bah for her outstanding achievements, her dedication to empowering women, and her role in shaping the future of journalism in Sierra Leone. Her story reminds us that with determination and passion, we can break barriers and inspire generations to come. 👏🎥

WIMSAL Northern and Southern Regions proudly engaged primary and secondary school girls on International Day of the Girl Child, emphasizing the significance of girls' education, their rights, and promoting gender equality.

As a gesture of support, they donated essential learning materials and menstrual hygiene kits, fostering a brighter future for these girls. 📚🌸✊

Celebrating International Day of the Girl Child 2023 🌟

This year, the theme for International Day of the Girl Child is "Invest in Girls' Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well-being." 🌸✨

At Women in the Media Sierra Leone, we stand united in empowering girls to become strong leaders and ensuring their well-being, because they are the next generation of Female Journalists. Let's invest in their rights, nurture their potential, and create a future where every girl can thrive! 💪👧✊

Join us in supporting 💖🌍

Wednesday Crush Woman

We are thrilled to celebrate the incredible achievements of Victoria Vanday Bernard this week! Victoria holds a BSC Hons in Peace and Development Studies from Njala University, showcasing her dedication to education and community development.

As a passionate advocate, Victoria has volunteered for numerous organizations addressing vital women and youth issues in the eastern part of Sierra Leone. She is a valuable member of the Grassroots Women Advocacy group for Development in Kenema, demonstrating her commitment to community empowerment.

Currently serving as the Secretary General for the RTI Development organization in her locality, Victoria is a true champion of local development initiatives. Her dedication extends to the world of sports, where she has served as the lead Coordinator for the Kambio Eagles interim committee in the Kenema district, showcasing her skills as a football administrator.

In addition to her advocacy and community work, Victoria shines as a media personality, holding the esteemed position of the current Regional Chairperson for SLAJ East. She has also served as the Secretary General for WIMSAL East for two terms, exemplifying her leadership and organizational skills.

Victoria Vanday Bernard embodies the spirit of dedication, community service, and leadership. Let's applaud her remarkable journey and contributions to our community!

Exciting News! 🌟

We are thrilled to share that Women in the Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL) Southern Region has made a significant impact on education in their community! 📚✨

WIMSAL Southern Region proudly donated school learning materials to the first five outstanding girls who excelled in the National Primary School Examination (NPSE) in the Bo District. These materials were also extended to top-performing girls from four Junior Secondary Schools in Bo. This initiative aligns with our commitment to supporting the girls education and is in harmony with the gender empowerment policy launched by the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists.

Josephine Mamawa Kailie, the Southern Regional Coordinator of WIMSAL, emphasized that this support serves as a motivational boost for these girls, encouraging them to excel further in their educational pursuits. She highlighted the power of unity and reiterated WIMSAL's dedication to supporting women and girls. Through collective efforts, we can create a safe and harassment-free space where talent knows no gender boundaries.

We were honored to have the Deputy Mayor of the Bo City Council, Madam Hawa Campbell, and other esteemed speakers who commend WIMSAL South for this outstanding support. Madam Campbell shared her own journey, emphasizing the importance of education as the key to unlocking endless opportunities. She urged the beneficiary girls to embrace this support wholeheartedly and strive to become inspiring figures in society.

Let's celebrate these remarkable achievements together and continue empowering women and girls in our community! 🎉👩‍🎓

This week's Wednesday Crush Woman is Adama S Fofanah , an extraordinary individual with an impressive background in public administration and Mass Communication. Adama holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in public administration and management from the University of Makeni, a Diploma in Mass Communication from the University of Maryland, and a Certificate in Project Management from Coursera.

Adama is not only an entrepreneur, being part of the Under 30's CEOs of Africa, but she also owns a Boutique called Elegant Boutique in Makeni. Additionally, she serves as the Regional Secretary General for Women in the Media North.

At Hope FM, she has excelled as a Presenter, Production Manager, and currently works as an Admin officer at the Domestic Workers Advocacy Network. Adama's achievements also extend internationally, as she represented Sierra Leone in the United States, winning a project for her District on health and sanitation in Koinadugu at the Rockefeller Foundation in New York.

Adama's dedication to advocacy shines through her radio program at Hope FM called Salone Woman, where she champions the cause Woman and children. As a true change agent, she's set an inspiring milestone by becoming the first Sierra Leonean woman to gain acceptance among other African countries into the Young Africa Leadership Program from LEAP Africa. She will soon represent Sierra Leone in Abuja.

Furthermore, Adama actively mentors at the YALI Network and serves as a District coordinator for the United Nations Women's Committee. Her passion, drive, and accomplishments are truly commendable, and she's a source of inspiration to us all.

This week's Wednesday Crush Woman is Issata Jay Rogers, a versatile individual with a background in accounting and a passion for empowering women and children. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Pure and Applied Accounting, a Technician Diploma in Accounting, and a Certificate in Basic French from the University of Sierra Leone and Njala University Bo Campus.

Issata has made significant contributions to her nation through various roles in the media. At Radio Newsong, she worked as a Presenter, Acting Production Manager, and Commercial Manager. She also served as an Administrative Manager at Radio Sermon on the Mount. Her dedication extends to advocating for children through radio programs.

As a change agent, Issata transitioned to a position at First International Bank Sierra Leone Ltd, where she spent four years building her credibility in financial management. After achieving the necessary credibility, she pursued French language studies in Cote D'Ivoire, becoming proficient in the basics.

During her French learning journey, she taught at Amoke International Group of Schools in Cote D'Ivoire, sparking her interest in education. This led her to dream of becoming a school proprietor. Through years of planning and dedication, Issata realized her dream by establishing the Young Modern Bilingual Academy in Bo City.

Let's rally together to support Issata Jay Rogers in completing the construction of her school structure, the Young Modern Bilingual Academy in Bo City. Education is a powerful tool for empowerment, and Issata's dedication to providing quality education for children in her community is commendable.

We're kicking off our Wednesday Crush Women series to honor remarkable women in Sierra Leone who've made significant contributions to amplifying the voices of women and girls while addressing vital issues.

This week, we're shining a spotlight on Madam Asmaa James , who stands out for her exceptional work in Sierra Leone. She's the founder and director of not one, but two organizations, Girls+ and Rise Radio 96.3 FM.

Additionally, she has served as the former President of Women in the Media Sierra Leone.

Madam Asmaa James has dedicated her career to providing platforms and opportunities that empower women, girls, and young people. Her focus has consistently been on enabling these voices to tackle critical and emerging issues that affect them.

Madam Asmaa James is a trailblazer in Sierra Leone, known for her unwavering commitment to the empowerment of women and girls.

🎓 Exciting News! In 2021, Women in the Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL) secured a prestigious scholarship from the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone for one of our talented member (Hajariatu Kalokoh).

She embarked on a remarkable journey, pursuing a Masters in Social Work in Women’s Leadership and Social Development at China Women’s University.

Despite the challenges posed by Covid, she persevered, completing three semesters online. Finally, in February this year, she had the incredible opportunity to conclude her studies in person.

This scholarship was made possible by the visionary former President of WIMSAL, Femi Coker.

🙌 Our commitment remains strong as we eagerly anticipate more scholarship opportunities to empower our exceptional members.



Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone
Ireland in Sierra Leone

WIMSAL visits Sierra Leone’s First Lady

Women in the Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL) recently paid a courtesy visit to the office of the First Lady her excellency madam Fatima Bio with an aim to address compelling issues affecting women and girls' across the country.

Speaking at the meeting, WIMSAL's President, Madam Eastina Taylor, highlighted the organization's purpose and commended the impactful initiatives of the First Lady's Office, including the flagship programme "Hands Off Our Girls" and other initiatives. She emphasized the importance of amplifying women's voices, challenging stereotypes, and promoting gender equality.

Since it formation, WIMSAL has actively participated in awareness raising and advocacy on diverse issues affecting women including reporting cases of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence and domestic violence.

However, the Organisation continue to face challenges such as institutional barriers access to required data and information, and capacity to effectively report those issues .

It is in this regard that Madam Taylor kindly requested the First Lady's support through partnerships, to beat those challenges and ensure safe Sierra Leone for women and girls to thrive in all walks of life including governance .

In her response, the First Lady commended WIMSAL's efforts and expressed her willingness to participate in the organization's affairs. She stressed the importance of capacity building and promised support through scholarships and other activities .

She urged WIMSAL to collaborate and use their platform to address women's challenges. The First Lady also highlighted President Bio's commitment to women's empowerment and her focus on addressing child marriage policy this year.

She encouraged WIMSAL to continue promoting women and girls' issues using their media platforms.

She expressed her belief in the power of women's voices, emphasizing that capacity building remains crucial for strengthening women's groups.
Commending WIMSAL's scholarship initiative, she pledged additional support to enhance members' capacity.

Addressing the need for unity, the First Lady encouraged WIMSAL to transcend political differences and stand together to amplify the struggles faced by women and girls across the nation. Highlighting President Bio's commitment to women's empowerment, she lauded the passing of the 30% gender quota bill in Parliament and the increased representation of women in his government .

With a vision for a more prosperous future, the First Lady urges WIMSAL to be firm in their decision making and advocacy drive and not be limited by political or social barriers.

The First Lady concluded by emphasizing her goal to addressing the issue of child marriage within the country's policy framework this year. She urged WIMSAL to play an active role in this endeavor by leveraging their pens and microphones to advocate for change.

As the meeting came to a close, both parties expressed enthusiasm for collaboration and a shared commitment to advancing the rights and well-being of women and girls in Sierra Leone.

(C) WIMSAL National PRO

Open letter to His Excellency Brig.Rtd Julius Maada Bio.

Kudos to His Excellency Brig.Rtd Julius Maada Bio and Sierra Leone's Government for advancing gender equality. 41 women in Parliament and 20 plus as Ministers mark a major step forward. Together, we build an inclusive Sierra Leone!
PRESIDENT JULIUS MAADA BIO
Dr Isata Mahoi