The initiative was championed by r0g-agency, a Berlin-based non-profit organisation dedicated to partnering with local grassroots organisations and governments to support open knowledge, open technology, and peacebuilding efforts, particularly in regions undergoing rapid and fundamental transformation, in order to support the development of healthy, peaceful societies.
At the event, Nyima Jadama, a media advocate and founder of YOMIL, emphasised the importance of empowering women in the media and the need to create tools for women’s easy access to information.
She reminded all about the power of the media and called on all to help women to enable them fight for their own rights and that of their colleagues.
For her part, Meita Touray, YOMIL Gambia Project Manager,
highlighted the aims and objectives of YOMIL in fostering empowerment and promotion of equal contribution of women in strengthening democracy in the Gambia.
“In recent years The Gambia media sector continues to grow exponentially with more women choosing the sector as a life-long career, but sadly most of these young and brilliant women cut their career short by shifting attention to other areas for better life and growth. This is mainly due to poor motivation and support, gender inequality and discrimination and institutional strengthening of patriarchy, leaving women with little or no space and voice at the decision making.” she said.
Touray maintained that all these numerous challenges have demotivated young women in the media, thus YOMIL project sets to assert the inclusion of women in media by training 280 women journalists on digital literacy, advocacy, analysis and critical thinking for the media across the country. The project will also fund the first production of young women media guide.
Neneh Macdoll Gaye, chairperson Access to Information Commission underscored the importance and power of the Media and Information for Gender Equality in the Gambia.
Amie Bojang Sissoho Director of Press and Public Relations at the Office of the President, advised media practitioners especially women journalists to fact-check reports and avoid misinformation and disinformation in their news stories.
