The theme of brand launch held at Paradise Suites Hotel was “Shattering the Glass Ceiling in The Gambian Media.”
Annette Camara, President of the Women Journalists Association of The Gambia (WoJAG) said, the convergence was in fulfillment of campaign promises they made in February 2022 during their congress, which aimed at discussing challenges faced by women in the media with the view to promoting tangible solutions to take strategic and facilitate women equal opportunity in The Gambia.
She pointed out that The Gambian media is male dominated with the few women breaking the glass ceiling but going through tremendous challenges ranging from sexual harassment, gender discrimination, among others.
Bakary Y. Badjie, Minister of Youth and Sports assured the association of his ministry’s support, saying since over fifty percent of the population is women and young people they should be at the centre as well as hold key positions in the media and political parties.
Minister Badjie urged women journalists to believe in themselves to change the dynamics of both the present and future.
Muhammed S. Bah, President of The Gambia Press Union (GPU) highlighted that the role of women in the media is key to ensuring media freedom, enhanced media, media independence and safety.
He stated that women journalists encounter more challenges than their male counterparts in the media fraternity, saying that the challenges should be addressed as women journalists are equally committed to contributing to national development.
He expressed dismay at the discrimination faced by women journalists and urged them to stay positive and ready to take up the challenges.
He described the achievements registered by women journalists as a step in the right direction.
Amie Joof-Cole, a veteran journalist said men and women in media are not enemies, adding that they are contributing to national development and as such should be encouraged by Government.
