Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, president of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), has reaffirmed his commitment to gender equality in the media and emphasized the need for stronger representation of women in journalism.
Speaking at the Women in the Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL) Annual General Meeting, held on 21 February 2025 at the University of Makeni Auditorium, Nasralla celebrated the progress made while acknowledging the persistent challenges that female journalists continue to face.
Addressing an audience of media professionals, Nasralla highlighted the importance of the event’s theme, “The Role of Women in Media and Gender Equality: The Future of Women in Media Sierra Leone.” He described it as not only timely but essential in shaping a more inclusive and equitable media landscape in the country.
While reflecting on past challenges, Nasralla pointed out that gender disparities, discrimination, harassment, and unequal pay have long hindered women’s participation and advancement in the media sector. However, he noted that since taking office, his administration has worked deliberately to change this narrative.
“One of our key arguments during the fight to repeal the criminal libel law was that it discouraged women from joining the profession. Since its repeal, we have witnessed an encouraging influx of young women into journalism, with membership in SLAJ and its affiliate bodies steadily increasing. From a mere 10-15% female representation when I took office, we have seen a consistent rise, reaching an encouraging 30-35% by 2024,” he stated.
Beyond numbers, Nasralla stressed the importance of empowering women to lead. During his tenure, SLAJ secured key leadership positions for women at the national and regional levels, including Vice President, Public Affairs Secretary, and Financial Secretary. The association also established a Gender Advisory Panel and a disciplinary committee led by female journalists to ensure gender-sensitive policies within SLAJ.
He furthered that one of the administration’s major achievements was the launch and adoption of the Gender Equality Policy for the Media, supported by the European Union through International IDEA. This policy, Nasralla said, lays the foundation for a future where women in media are not only present but actively leading and shaping the industry. However, he emphasized that the focus must now shift toward implementation, ensuring that women have equal opportunities at all levels of media organizations.
He commended the increasing number of female journalists taking ownership of media houses and stepping into leadership roles across print, electronic, and digital platforms. SLAJ, he assured, remains committed to fostering an environment where female journalists can thrive and make lasting contributions.
Nasralla also acknowledged WIMSAL’s pivotal role in advocating for the rights and welfare of women in the media. He pledged continued collaboration to create safer workspaces, eliminate harassment, and ensure that women have the same opportunities as their male counterparts.
In a message of encouragement to young female journalists, Nasralla urged them to be fearless, take ownership of their space, and lead with passion and integrity. He encouraged them to draw inspiration from pioneering women in the field, such as Bernadette Cole and Daisy Bona, who played instrumental roles in shaping journalism in Sierra Leone and West Africa.
As his tenure as SLAJ President nears its end, Nasralla expressed gratitude for the support he has received and pride in the progress made. However, he reminded attendees that the journey toward gender equality in the media is far from over. He called on all stakeholders to remain committed to breaking barriers and ensuring that the media industry reflects the diversity and strength of the society it serves.
With a renewed focus on gender equality, Nasralla concluded his speech by emphasizing that the future of women in media is not just about fairness—it is about strengthening journalism itself.
