By Arret Jatta
ECOWAS has on Thursday engaged the Gambia Press Union (GPU) and Women Journalist Association of The Gambia (WoJAG) on the consolidation of democracy in The Gambia at the ECOWAS permanent mission headquarters in Fajara.
The event forms part of activities, commemorating International Women’s Month. The event was aimed at deepening democracy and good governance in The Gambia.
Speaking at the opening, Her Excellency Miatta L. French, Resident Representative-ECOWAS, said the discussion is needed with media practitioners, especially female journalists.
“Democracy is still fragile in most West African countries. People’s understanding of what happens within their countries is very limited and they rely on the media for information. It is important that what goes out is accurate and credible to ensure it those not create unnecessary problems,” she said.
She added that the brainstorming session “is to remind ourselves of the important role media play in democracy and make sure it is efficiently implemented.”
She pointed out that ECOWAS’s intervention is beyond ECOMIG.
“We have other projects for our partner countries to contribute in enhancing the countries’ democracy and maintenance.”
She assured their continuous support to make sure that the capacity of media practitioners is built.
Ms. Annette Anta Camara, President of WoJAG, welcomed the initiative and said this will support women journalists, thereby contributing and increasing the role of WoJAG in socio-economic activities through working with media and promoting the rights and welfare of women in the media.
Annette noted this will also support freedom of expression and initiatives within the concept of the rule of law and works to strengthen the importance of media awareness.
She emphasized that the engagement would also strengthen the professional skills of women journalists to increase the values of democracy, increase the professional competencies of the Women Journalists’ Association of The Gambia, and make sure that women are catered for in terms of their welfare needs.
