The Anti-Corruption Commission’s Northern Region Manager, Mariama Navo, has delivered an empowering keynote speech at the annual general meeting of Women in the Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL), held at the University of Makeni auditorium on 21st February, 2025.
Miss Navo opened with a compelling anecdote about a young, ambitious woman who, despite her relentless pursuit of success, was repeatedly undermined by her domineering male boss. Though she was eventually forced out of her job, she persevered and later secured a higher position, allowing her to share decision-making platforms with her former employer. This narrative set the tone for the event’s theme: “The Role of Women in Media and Gender Equality.”
As a gender advocate, Miss Navo acknowledged the progress made in breaking barriers within the global media industry but highlighted the persistent challenges limiting women's participation in leadership roles in Sierra Leone's media sector. She called for genuine equality in opportunities, access, and representation to enable women to realise their full potential in media.
“Women hold significant positions in Sierra Leone's media industry – as journalists, producers, presenters, and editors – but systemic barriers remain,” she stated. She outlined key challenges, including gender biases and unequal pay, which continue to hinder women from attaining leadership roles in media administration.
Miss Navo also emphasised the importance of gender equality in media decision-making. She argued that the underrepresentation and misrepresentation of women deprive society of diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise that could enhance the media's effectiveness. She asserted that gender equality goes beyond mere representation; it is about empowerment, and the media itself should play a role in exposing and addressing gender discrimination in both the industry and other public institutions.
Despite these challenges, she expressed optimism about the future, citing the rise of digital platforms, social media, and citizen journalism as opportunities for women to shape the media landscape. She urged attendees, especially media professionals, to leverage these platforms to challenge gender injustices and advocate for lasting change.
Miss Navo envisioned a future where women work alongside their male counterparts in an equitable media environment, supported by government and organisational policies that address long-standing gender disparities. She called for mentorship and collective action, urging women to break barriers and empower the next generation of media professionals.
In conclusion, she reaffirmed the importance of the annual meeting, calling for sustained efforts to overcome the challenges that hinder gender equality in the media sector. She assured her audience that women are not only capable but also willing to contribute their knowledge and expertise to shaping a more effective and inclusive media landscape.
