By Hassan Osman Kargbo
In a major step toward advancing gender equality and strengthening women’s voices in the country’s media sector, 15 young women journalists from across Sierra Leone have successfully completed an intensive leadership and empowerment training programme.
The initiative, supported by the European Union (EU) in partnership with BBC Media Action Sierra Leone and WAN-IFRA, was designed to equip women journalists with the critical tools and confidence needed to take on leadership roles within the media industry.
Over several months of training, participants engaged in a transformative learning experience that went far beyond traditional newsroom skills. The programme focused on three key areas — strategic thinking and emotional intelligence, holistic personal and professional growth, and the prevention and management of sexual harassment in the workplace.
Organisers say the goal was not just to train but to empower women journalists to become future leaders capable of shaping narratives and driving positive change in their communities and newsrooms.
“This programme is about building strong, resilient women who will not only tell the stories of others but also lead and influence the direction of Sierra Leone’s media,” said a representative from BBC Media Action. “We believe that when women lead, the stories become richer, more inclusive, and more reflective of society.”
Participants described the experience as life-changing, noting that it gave them renewed confidence, leadership skills, and the ability to navigate professional challenges with integrity and purpose. Many of them plan to apply their newly acquired knowledge to mentor other young women in their newsrooms and communities.
A representative from the European Union commended the graduates for their dedication and resilience, reaffirming the EU’s commitment to supporting gender equality and capacity-building initiatives in Sierra Leone. “Empowering women in the media means empowering society as a whole. These young journalists are now better equipped to advocate for transparency, accountability, and inclusion in the public space,” the EU official said.
The graduation marks the beginning of what organisers describe as a growing network of women leaders who will play a pivotal role in redefining media leadership in Sierra Leone.
As the country continues to push for gender balance in key sectors, this initiative stands as a clear statement that Sierra Leone is ready for women leadership — strong, confident, and transformative voices ready to shape the nation’s future.
