By Awa DK Conteh
The Women Journalists Association of The Gambia (WoJAG) on Friday, July 19th launched a six-month mentorship programme for female journalists.
WoJAG is an umbrella body of all female media workers in The Gambia, legally registered in 2016. The Association trains its members on issues affecting women and girls.
The mentorship programme attracts twenty journalists from various media outlets across the country to prepare them for leadership positions in the newsroom.
Annette Camara, President of the Women Journalists Association of The Gambia, informed that the six months mentorship programme is supported by Freedom House. “It marks the beginning of a transformative journey for 20 talented women journalists who will be participating in this comprehensive mentorship programme,” she stated.
She added that their primary goal is to empower these mid-career journalists with skills, knowledge, competence, and expertise, in order that they excel in their profession and eventually become mentors themselves.
Ms. Camara expressed belief that the 20 mentees will be prepared to take on more significant roles in the media industry, noting that dedication and engagement are crucial to the success of this programme.
“WoJAG will ensure the smooth coordination of the programme by mobilising the necessary resources, monitor the progress of additional support for both mentors and mentees. We are dedicated to creating an enriching and supportive environment for all participants. At the end of the day we expect the mentees to exhibit improved journalistic abilities. Each mentee will develop a portfolio showcasing their work after the mentorship programme,” the president further explained.
Neneh MacDouall Gaye, guest speaker, described the mentorship programme as a catalyst for growth - both at personal and professional levels. She highlighted the challenges and barriers affecting women in the media as including sexual harassment, soft gender roles assigned to women, stereotyping and hostile environment for representation in leadership roles within media organisations, online harassment and abuse. She also mentioned the challenge of work-life balance.
She however indicated that challenges are hard but that it also plays an important role in professional empowerment. “Technology is a great tool for breaking barriers as well; however the power that media practitioners have is to inform, entertain, and create awareness”.
Madam MacDouall Gaye concluded by expressing gratitude to be associated with WoJAG’s great initiative – the launch of the six-month mentorship programme.
