Theme: ‘CHARTING THE WAY FORWARD: Towards an Inclusive and Stronger SLAJ’
Opening Courtesies…
Today, we gather here in the sweet city of Bo, Southern Sierra Leone, under a theme that speaks to our aspirations and challenges: “Charting the Way Forward: Towards an Inclusive and Stronger SLAJ.”
Why is there a need for a review of our constitution? A lot has happened, and a lot of issues are emerging. The numbers are growing, and the majority are young people. Social media is now more active than before, and the landscape is changing fast. We need to put structures in place to ensure democracy, transparency, and accountability thrive within the Association.
In recent years, SLAJ has made significant strides in strengthening journalism in Sierra Leone, advocating for media freedom, and defending the rights of journalists. We have been pivotal in shaping public discourse, holding leaders accountable, and giving voice to the voiceless. However, as we reflect on our journey, it is clear that we must do more to create an inclusive environment—one that embraces every journalist, regardless of background, gender, or the type of media in which they work.
Inclusion is a necessity for our association to remain relevant and resilient. We cannot claim to advocate for the truth if we are not internally committed to representing all voices within our profession. Therefore, the way forward must include renewed efforts to engage and involve journalists from marginalized communities, women in journalism, and those operating in rural areas. Our commitment to inclusion will ensure that SLAJ continues to grow, not just in size, but in diversity and strength.
We must ensure that only those who are supposed to be part of us are part of us. We must jealously guard our profession, making sure the right people are part of the association.
The Role of SLAJ in a Changing Media Landscape
The media landscape in Sierra Leone, and globally, is changing rapidly. New technologies, social media, and the digital revolution are transforming how information is consumed and shared. These shifts present both opportunities and challenges for journalism. SLAJ must be at the forefront of this transformation, ensuring that we equip our members with the skills and tools they need to thrive in this evolving space. This AGM provides an opportunity to discuss how we can strengthen our association constitutionally so we can leverage technology to enhance our work and to continue upholding the values of credible, responsible journalism in the digital age.
Solidarity and Collective Strength
Our efforts over the years speak to one goal: making SLAJ Stronger. Making SLAJ stronger requires us to strengthen our independence, our professionalism, and our integrity. We must uphold our position as the last man standing.
Colleagues, our strength lies in our solidarity. The past few years have taught us that when we stand together, we are capable of achieving remarkable feats. Whether it was our advocacy for the repeal of the criminal libel law or our unwavering defense of press freedom, we have shown that unity is our greatest asset. But we cannot afford to be complacent. We must continue to support one another, especially as we face increasing threats online to free speech and journalism. By standing in solidarity, we send a clear message: an attack on one journalist is an attack on all of us.
Looking Forward: Actionable Steps for a Stronger SLAJ
As we chart the way forward, we must focus on actionable steps:
We need to prioritize Capacity Building. Training and professional development, particularly for young and emerging journalists, are key to ensuring that the future of SLAJ is in capable hands.
We must also remain vocal in our advocacy for media freedom, ethical journalism, and a conducive working environment for all media professionals.
Let us make a conscious effort to bring more diverse voices to the table, ensuring that everyone feels represented and valued in our association.
A stronger SLAJ also means a financially sustainable one. We must explore innovative ways to strengthen our financial base, ensuring that our association can continue to serve its members for years to come.
As we embark on this journey of strengthening SLAJ, let us do so with determination, unity, and a sense of purpose. We have come a long way. Yet the road ahead will not be without challenges, but I am confident that together, we will overcome them and emerge stronger. I encourage each of you to actively participate in today’s discussions, to share your ideas, and to contribute to the future of SLAJ.
In closing, I wish to thank my Executive, our regional team, the members, and all our partners who have supported us along the way. Let us now work together to build a more inclusive, stronger, and independent SLAJ that serves as the backbone of journalism and democratic good governance in Sierra Leone.
Thank you.
