Sierra Leone 2023 Elections: Enhancing the Capacity of Female Journalists in Community Radio to Address Policy Issues on SGBV

The “Sierra Leone 2023 Elections: Enhancing the Capacity of Female Journalists in Community Radio to Address Policy Issues on SGBV”, funded by UNESCO IPDC in 2022, aimed to enhance the skills and capacities of 25 female journalists in Sierra Leone, yielding significant outcomes. The project meticulously designed a curriculum aligned with UNESCO's journalism education standards, focusing on crucial indicators such as Media Development, Gender Sensitivity, Internet Universality, and Journalist Safety. Through targeted training sessions on gender-sensitive reporting, investigative journalism, electoral laws, and gender equality laws, tangible improvements in journalistic competencies were achieved. Additionally, online training facilitated by international experts equipped the journalists with advanced professional skills, including access to information laws and media information literacy. Mentorship resulted in 24 journalists successfully producing "Uman Political Barray" broadcasts, showcasing their developed skills and contributing to political discourse, reflecting increased abilities and impactful contributions.

The project's comprehensive approach, from curriculum design to mentorship and podcast creation, has empowered female journalists and advanced women's participation in Sierra Leone's political landscape. Notably, outcomes include heightened gender sensitivity in media reporting, increased political engagement of women, and a more informed public discourse. Testimonials from beneficiaries underscore the transformative impact of the project on their professional development and gender equality advocacy. Despite challenges such as limited media access for women, collaborative efforts with local partners like the Sierra Leone Association of Women in Journalism (SLAWIJ) and SheStands2023 have fostered a sustainable model for empowering women in media and politics, contributing to a more inclusive and equitable society.

Testimony

My name is Marion Precious George, and I am grateful to share my experience as a participant in the transformative IPDC UNESCO funded project titled "Sierra Leone 2023 Elections: Enhancing the Capacity of Journalists in Community Radio to Address Policy Issues on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV)." Participating in this project significantly boosted my confidence and ability to engage with women in politics on sensitive topics such as SGBV. Prior to the training, I faced challenges in approaching women politicians for interviews or involving them in radio programs.

However, through the project, I acquired new skills and techniques on effectively communicating the significance of radio interviews in their political careers. I learned how to emphasize the importance of using the media as a powerful tool to reach a wider audience, particularly when addressing critical issues like SGBV, policies, and elections. The project provided me with a platform, including thirty-minute radio programs, to facilitate these vital discussions and empower women in politics. Being part of this project not only enhanced my professional development but also allowed me to connect and network with fellow journalists and women involved in politics. This project also inspired me to amplify the voices of women in the political landscape during the shortlisting process for the Proportional Representation lists to achieve the aspirations of the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Law.

Additionally, the opportunity to explore podcasting as a medium was both exciting and rewarding, with positive outcomes achieved. I am confident and optimistic about continuing to promote women's participation in politics and advocating for gender equality in Sierra Leone. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to IPDC-UNESCO for their unwavering commitment to empowering journalists and addressing the pressing issues of SGBV. Their funding made this project possible, covering essential resources and support for its successful implementation. I am also grateful to the Initiatives for Media Development for their guidance, and mentorship throughout the project. Their dedication to advancing women in journalism and promoting gender equality is commendable.

IMdev mentored youths in Sierra Leone to advocate for children’s rights

In Sierra Leone, addressing the systematic abuse of child rights remains a critical national endeavor, despite the presence of progressive legislation and policies. Despite efforts to ratify international conventions like the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, challenges persist due to weak implementation and enforcement mechanisms.

Children and youth face a myriad of challenges, including hunger, homelessness, and various forms of violence, compounded by poverty, gender inequality, and limited access to education and healthcare. The country's ranking in the 2021 KidsRights Index reflects these challenges, highlighting the urgent need for concerted efforts to protect and promote children's rights in Sierra Leone.

With funding from UNICEF Sierra Leone, IMdev has undertaken a proactive initiative to empower vulnerable children and adolescents in Sierra Leone. Through targeted capacity-building programs and mentorship opportunities, 120 adolescents aged between 10 and 18 have been engaged to enhance their understanding of child rights and media literacy.

These adolescents have participated in training sessions focused on photography, writing skills, gender-sensitive reporting, and advocacy on critical issues such as vaccines access, learning, mental health, climate change, and safe water. Through hands-on activities and guidance on UNICEF's protection guidelines, including measures to combat sexual exploitation and abuse, IMdev and UNICEF are working to amplify the voices of these adolescents, ensuring their meaningful participation in shaping positive change within their communities.