By Arret Jatta
The Women Journalists Association of The Gambia (WOJAG) recently launched a six-month mentorship program for 20 female journalists at the NaNA Conference Hall in Bakau
The project funded by USAID, attracted twenty (20) journalists from various media outlets across the country and is meant to prepare young women journalists for leadership positions in the media.
Annette Anta Camara, President of WOJAG, stated that her organization members’ primary goal is to empower mid-career journalists with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to excel in their profession and become mentors to others.
She added that the mentorship’s objective is skill enhancement through personalized guidance and practical training.
“We aim to refine the journalistic skills of our members in the areas namely; writing, editing, interviewing, and investigative reporting”, she highlighted.
She further noted that professional development, networking, leadership development, and promoting ethical reporting are also their core objectives.
“Actively participate in all program activities, apply the skills and knowledge gained, utilize feedback for improvement, build professional networks, and uphold ethical standards in their journalistic practice,” she told participants.
Demba Kanteh, deputy chief of Freedom House stressed the need and the importance of mentorship in advancing women in journalism, saying that “mentorship is like a garden where there are young plants at a nursery level that needs sunlight, water, and a lot of nurturing”.
He noted that the veteran journalists in the country are the experts with the needed seasoned expertise and fabulous styles, like Neneh Mac Douall Gaye, Aisha Davies, and others present, who are there to provide the mentees with all the guidance and support they need.
Nennen Mac Douall Gaye a veteran journalist and also a board member of GRTS, highlighted some of the challenges women journalists face such as “sexual harassment, less pay, a hostile environment, poor representation, and online harassment”.
She added that no matter what someone might have encountered, they should put up a fight and try again, “Don’t let anything stop you”.
The mentees are said to be coached by experienced journalists who are predominantly women to produce fantastic journalistic content for their various media outlets.
