The Sierra Leone Association of Women in Journalism (SLAWIJ) with funding from Defence for Children International (DCI) Sierra Leone has held a Training of Trainers workshop for 25 female journalists at the Council of Churches Sierra Leone (CCSL) Hall in Freetown, on ‘Creative Content and Outcome Harvesting in Gender Reporting’.

The thrust of the training was to build the capacity of these journalists so that they will in turn train other colleagues as well as give visibility to the SHE-LEADS Project which is geared toward the empowerment and participation of Girls and Young Women GYW) in decision-making in their respective communities.

Tamba Sorie Project Officer DCI said, the SHE LEADS is a five-year 2021-2025 partnership amongst Terre des Hommes, Plan International Netherlands, Defence for Children International (DCI)-ECPAT Netherlands, FEMMNET, and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In Sierra Leone, Defence for Children Sierra Leone (DCI-SL), PLAN International and Women’s Forum are the three main network members and each of the organisations has implementing partners that they work with.

He highlighted the strategic objective of the She Leads Project which is to increase the participation and influence of Girls and Young Women in decision-making as well as the transformation of gender norms in formal and informal institutions. He added that DCI-SL is very pleased with the partnership between them and SLAWIJ as they are aware of the role that the media play in enhancing collective action and activism.

Millicent Kargbo is the Executive President of SLAWIJ, she said the training on creative content and outcome harvesting is new to journalists but implored them to take up the challenge as this will help them document signs of change in order to promote leadership and participation of GYW in decision-making. Mrs. Kargbo appealed to the journalists to use the skills in their everyday practice and ensure they share the knowledge gained with others. She thanked DCI for the support and said her organization looks forward to more partnerships.

Facilitators included George Koroma, Project Officer PLAN International SL, and Martha Kargbo Media trainer.