By: Modou Touray
Mr. Sheriff Saidykhan, Vice President of The Gambia Press Union, presided over the commencement of the WoJAG capacity-building training on Gender Sensitive Reporting and Ethical Journalism concerning Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) at the Medical and Dental Council Complex in Bakau.
According to VP Saidykhan, the training organized by the Women Journalists Association of The Gambia (WoJAG) aims to raise awareness and is both significant and timely. It is designed to enhance the capacity of women journalists in gender-sensitive reporting.
“The Gambia Press Union (GPU) has a policy on sexual and gender-based violence, focused primarily on preventing and addressing workplace sexual harassment within media houses,” he stated.
He emphasized that the two-day training would equip women journalists with the necessary knowledge and skills for ethical journalism related to gender-sensitive reporting. “The Cherno Jallow Charter for Ethics provides essential guidelines for journalists, addressing key issues such as gender and sex, and exposing all forms of gender-based violence,” said Saidykhan.
He underlined the critical role of ethical journalism in enhancing public trust and ensuring the credibility of the media.
“This training will empower women journalists with the right information to amplify the voices of survivors of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence. Over the past decades, the Gambia Press Union has committed itself to promoting and ensuring journalistic excellence in The Gambia,” he added.
Saidykhan mentioned that the two-day training would further enhance the capabilities of women journalists. “In conclusion, the Gambia Press Union is pleased to collaborate with the Women Journalists Association of The Gambia (WoJAG) to facilitate this important training. We look forward to further cooperation with WoJAG through our shared commitment to strengthening the capacities of women journalists in the media.”
Earlier, Annet Camara, the president of the Female Journalists Association of The Gambia, provided an overview of the training, highlighting its importance in advancing the agenda for women.
Twenty early and mid-career women journalists are participating in the training to equip them with the skills needed to thrive in the media industry and promote positive female representation in the news.
The opening ceremony was chaired by Banna Sabally.
