WOJAG trains 30 young women journalists

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By FATOUMATTA SAIDYKHAN

The Women Journalists Association of The Gambia (WOJAG) has trained 30 young women in reporting on women and children’s matters

Speaking at a two-day program held at TANGO Conference Hall, Ms. Annette Camara, President of the Women Journalists Association (WOJAG) said the training is fundamental, considering the fact that majority of reporters or journalists did not focus on women and children reporting.

Sadly, she stated that violence against women and children is on the increase daily most of which are even not reported either in the media or to the relevant authorities.

“The main purpose of this training is to produce highly skilled women journalists who will contribute to effective and efficient reporting on women and children in The Gambia,” said Ms. Annette Camara.

She observed that women reporters face different cases of violence, adding that every woman or child has a story to tell but it is hardly ever reported.

Isatou Keita, Vice President of The Gambia Press Union (GPU) on her part, said that women journalists should change the status quo of women reporting in the newsroom. “We are tired of taking the backseats in political rallies,” she asserted.

Ms. Keita encouraged women journalists to tap knowledge from the facilitators and put it into practice to enhance their professionalism, especially in reporting on women and children matters.

Expressing similar sentiments, the Program Manager of The Gambia Press Union, Mr. Jebel Ceesay said the Union has five proactive affiliates that includes WOJAG and it is ready to support them.

He urged women to report on their issues, as they are mostly under-reported.

It could be recalled that on February 25, 2022 the general membership of WOJAG dissolved the previous executive, paving the way for the election of a new executive.