By: Isatou Sarr
As part of the commemorative events of the International Women’s Day, St. Joseph’s Senior Secondary School in collaboration with Camara Muso on Monday launched a press club and career talk-show.
The objective of this initiative is to inspire and equip young students, particularly girls, with knowledge and interest in journalism, media ethics, and storytelling. It will also serve as a career mentorship platform, bringing together over 20 accomplished St. Joseph’s alumni, who now hold key leadership positions in The Gambia.
The Chairperson of the Access to Information Commission, Neneh Macdouall-Gaye, presided over the launch the all-girls school press club.
In her statement, Mrs. Macdouall-Gaye said launching a press club on International Women’s Day was a chance to promote gender equality within the student body and beyond, creating an inclusive environment where young girls can challenge societal norms, report on women’s issues, and raise awareness about gender-based challenges.
According to her, the media and journalism have forever been powerful tools for shaping the world from uncovering truths, sharing knowledge, and holding people accountable, to giving a voice to those who might otherwise remain unheard.
“In today’s fast-paced world, where information is more accessible than ever before, it is crucial that we learn how to analyze, understand, and communicate effectively,” she pointed out.
“A press club thrives on diversity of thought, creativity, and collaboration, and I know that this club will reflect that spirit,” she added.
In remarks at the launch, the Principal of St. Joseph’s Senior Secondary School, Hanna Kippy Coker, said: “Today is not just a day of festivity, it is a day of reflection, empowerment, and inspiration-a day when we celebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of women across generations.”
For her part, Anette Camara, the president of Women Journalists Association also a former student of St. Joseph’s, stated: “I am who I am today because I was opportune to talk and conduct school assemblies, and that was what actually inspired the passion to post or to be part of the media. If we look at the number of women in the media, we are 60% but when you come down to leadership positions, we have little or no women, and I believe everything starts from small and goes big.”
She urged women journalists in The Gambia to support, empower, mentor, coach and guide the young girls that are interested to be future reporters, presenters, Tv producers and camera operators.
Winner of the Gambia National Teachers Prize 2025 Angelic Isatou Mendy, who was also a former student of the school, pointed out that empowering young minds through education and leadership is more than just words.
“It is a call to action, a call for you to rise, to take your place in the world, and to understand that your education and leadership are the keys to unlocking your full potential. Leadership is not about having a title, it is about having a voice and using it. We need women in education, science, technology, business, politics, and every field imaginable,” she underlined.
