Freetown, 28th July 2026- As a way of strengthening women’s voices in the media, the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has certified 80 female journalists in multimedia journalism after an intensive training programme at Limkokwing University of Creative Technology.
The graduation ceremony, held at the university’s campus, was described by SLAJ President Alhaji Manika Kamara as “a major achievement” for his administration. Kamara emphasized that empowering female journalists through professional training was a central pillar of his ACTION manifesto. He lauded the support of the European Union, BBC Media Action, and other partners, urging continued collaboration to expand opportunities for women in the media industry.
President of Women in the Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL), Eastina Taylor-Tucker, hailed the milestone as transformative for both the media sector and the nation. “This training strengthens the capacity of female journalists and increases their participation in the digital media landscape,” she said.
BBC Media Action’s Country Director, Musa Shanghai, expressed pride in the partnership with SLAJ, encouraging graduates to apply their new skills to elevate journalism and contribute to national development. Lead trainer Abubakarr Tappiah Sesay praised the participants’ perseverance, noting that their commitment reflected courage and dedication. “They are now well prepared to embrace the opportunities of the digital media space,” he said.
Delivering the keynote address, Edward Kargbo urged the graduates to pursue continuous learning and innovation beyond the technical skills acquired. He called on them to support one another in achieving professional aspirations, stressing that collaboration and personal growth are vital for success in today’s fast-changing media environment.
Graduates shared heartfelt testimonies, describing the programme as transformative. Many expressed gratitude to SLAJ, BBC Media Action, and the European Union for equipping them with practical multimedia skills that will enhance their work and amplify women’s voices in Sierra Leone’s media landscape.