The event forms part of activities commemorating the International Women’s Day month. The event was aimed at deepening democracy and good governance in The Gambia.
Speaking at the opening, Her Excellency Miatta L. French, Resident Representative for ECOWAS Permanent Mission in The Gambia said, the discussion is needed with media practitioners especially female journalists.
“Media is an important asset when it comes to democracy. They are considered makers or breakers of a nation. The role of journalists in democracy cannot be over emphasised,” she stated.
“Democracy is still fragile in most West African countries. People’s understanding of what happens within their countries is very limited and they rely on the media for information. It is important that what goes out is accurate and credible to ensure it those not create unnecessary problems,” she also said.
She added that the brainstorming session “is to remind ourselves of the important role media play in democracy and make sure it is efficiently implemented.”
She alluded that ECOWAS intervention is beyond ECOMIG. “We have other projects to our partner countries to contribute in enhancing the countries democracy and maintenance.”
She assured their continuous support to make sure the capacity of media practitioners are built.
Annette Anta Camara, president of WoJAG, welcomed the initiative and said it will support women journalists, thereby contributing and increasing the role of WoJAG in socio-economic activities through working with media and promoting the rights and welfare of women in the media.”
Miss Camara noted that this will also support freedom of expression and initiatives within the concept of the rule of law and work to strengthen the importance of media awareness.
She called for the need to strengthen the professional skills of women journalists to increase the values of democracy as well as increase the professional competencies of Women Journalists’ Association of The Gambia and make sure that women are catered for in terms of their welfare needs.
