By Kadijatu Bangura, Reporter D.S
Makeni City, Sierra Leone – Ahmed Nasralla, president of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), has urged for fair representation of women in journalism during his address at the Women in the Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL) Annual General Meeting on February 21, 2025, at the UNIMAK Auditorium.
Emphasizing the critical role of women in journalism, Nasralla highlighted the necessity of gender equality in the media sector. Reflecting on the event’s theme, “The Role of Women in Media and Gender Equality: The Future of Women in Media Sierra Leone,” he pointed out the historical underrepresentation of women in media leadership and the challenges they face, including discrimination, harassment, and unequal pay.
Under Nasralla’s leadership, female membership in SLAJ increased from 10-15% to approximately 30-35% by 2024. He underscored the importance of female representation in executive positions and initiated the establishment of the SLAJ Gender Advisory Panel to promote gender-sensitive policies within the organization. A significant achievement during his tenure was the launch of the Gender Equality Policy for the Media, supported by the European Union through International IDEA, aimed at ensuring fair representation of women in media organizations and fostering mentorship programs for young female journalists.
Nasralla stressed the importance of ongoing collaboration with WIMSAL to create safer work environments and promote equal opportunities for women in journalism. He encouraged young female journalists to embrace courage, assert their presence in the field, and lead with integrity. As his presidency approaches its conclusion, Nasralla acknowledged the collective efforts made to advance gender equality within Sierra Leone’s media sector and emphasized the need for sustained commitment from future leaders.
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