The project aims to equip women in the media with skills to lead the fight against sexual and gender-based violence and to amplify the rights of women and girls across the country.
The association secured the project funding through the US Embassy Public Diplomacy Grants to support women journalists.
Annette Camara, President of Women Journalists Association, said they worked with determination to address the unique challenges confronting women in the media.
“We have pursued this mission with a vision to uplift, train, and empower women journalists across the country,” WoJAG president stated.
Among the objectives of the project, she pointed out, would be to break the glass ceiling, seek to strengthen the capacities of women journalists to break gender stereotypes and create a more balanced representation of women and girls in the media.
In her statement, US Ambassador Sharon Cromer said the grant was to promote women-led organisations and empower those who thrive for justice and equality.
Ambassador Cromer highlighted numerous challenges women encounter in the media, hence the embassy support.
The empowerment of women and girls has been a top priority for the US government, she said, adding: “Through campaign, we have taken significant steps to highlight the importance of protecting the rights of women and girls.”
Bakary Badjie, Youth and Sports Minister, for his part, said as youth minister, he believes in empowering young people, especially women and girls.
The project would help to ensure that women journalists have the tools they need to drive impactful and story-telling advocacy, he added.
“The country has seen an improvement in reducing incidents of sexual and gender-based violence. But a lot more needs to be done, including raising awareness in our communities, implementing the existing laws, and documenting our works over time,” the Youth minister added.
Speakers at the occasion included Gambia Press Union vice president Isatou Keita and Human Rights Activist Fatou Jagne-Senghore, who both emphasised the importance of women engagement in leadership roles and taking initiative.
Jagne-Senghore stated that women’s voices are essential in building an equitable society.
She added that the project represented a powerful step forward in ensuring women in media have the skills and platform needed to address injustice and amplify voices that too often go unheard.
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