BY: MOHAMED SAHR
Over thirty journalists hailing from various regions in Sierra Leone underwent intensive training on gender-sensitive reporting techniques, spearheaded by Trocaire Sierra Leone and funded by USAID. The two-day workshop, held on Tuesday 7th May and Wednesday 8th May 2024 at the Royal Hotel conference hall in Makeni, aimed at equipping local journalists with enhanced skills to address gender issues with dignity and ethical integrity.
Led by Samuel Konkofa Koroma, Chief of Party for Trocaire’s USAID People-to-People Project, the initiative marks a pivotal step towards promoting inclusive journalism practices in Sierra Leone. Koroma emphasized the importance of capacitating journalists to navigate gender-related topics sensitively, particularly amidst the project’s focus on mitigating electoral and social violence in affected communities.
Addressing the gathering, Koroma highlighted the overarching objective of the training: to instill a profound understanding among journalists regarding the ethical responsibilities associated with reporting on gender dynamics. He reiterated the project’s commitment to fostering continuous learning opportunities for journalists over its three-year duration.
Facilitator Marian Amaria Bangura, herself a seasoned journalist, stressed the significance of combatting gender silencing in media discourse. She urged her colleagues to adopt inclusive language and strive for balanced representation in their reporting, emphasizing the need to eschew stereotypes that hinder journalistic integrity.
Bangura’s emphasis on using gender-neutral language resonated with participants, including Morlai Gbla from the Mano River Union Peace Building Radio Network in Kambia. Expressing his enthusiasm for the training, Gbla highlighted its potential to enhance his reporting on gender-sensitive issues.
Princess Fatmata Kargbo, another participant, echoed similar sentiments, pledging to incorporate newfound insights into her journalistic endeavors. Kargbo emphasized her commitment to delivering balanced stories that reflect the perspectives of both genders.
The training’s success underscores a growing recognition of the pivotal role journalists play in shaping societal perceptions of gender dynamics. By equipping them with the necessary tools and ethical guidelines, initiatives like Trocaire’s USAID-funded project are instrumental in fostering more inclusive and respectful media practices in Sierra Leone.
