The
Gambia Press Union (GPU) has been given US$39,995 (equivalent to more than D1.5
million) grant by the National Endowment for Democracy, an American-based
nonprofit foundation.
The
grant, approved in February 2017, is meant for a year-long project which aims
to enhance the ability of the media to investigate and better report on freedom
of expression abuse, governance, transparency, and on elections.
In
a statement issued yesterday, Saikou Jammeh, secretary general of the GPU, said
the funding would complement ongoing efforts by the union, and its national and
international partners, in facilitating reforms promised by The Gambia
government to improve the environment for freedom of expression.
With
the NED support, he said, the GPU would among other activities, undergo
institutional capacity building in order to be adequately equipped to advise
the government and other national and international stakeholders on media
reforms.
As
part of the project, the union would also conduct research on the impact of
legal, political and cultural restrictions of freedom of expression and the
press on economic development and democracy in The Gambia.
“The
goal of the research is to look at the extent to which the lack of freedom of
speech undermines development efforts,” Jammeh said.
Also,
women journalists would be engaged on human rights, laws and policies regarding
women’s rights to provide them the skills to advocate for themselves and other
women.
The
community radio broadcasters would be provided with knowledge on the principles
and the importance of freedom of expression rights.
About
NED
The
National Endowment for Democracy (NED) is a private, nonprofit foundation
dedicated to the growth and strengthening of democratic institutions around the
world. Each year, NED makes more than
1,200 grants to support the projects of non-governmental groups abroad who are
working for democratic goals in more than 90 countries.
Since
its founding in 1983, the Endowment has remained on the leading edge of
democratic struggles everywhere, while evolving into a multifaceted institution
that is a hub of activity, resources and intellectual exchange for activists,
practitioners and scholars of democracy the world over.
About
GPU
Created
in 1979, the Gambia Press Union is the umbrella body for Gambian journalists.
With 200 members, the organisation seeks to promote freedom of press and media
professionalism, and to ensure the protection of the welfare and safety of all
Gambian journalists.
