Public-Facing Women Defy Odds in Face of Challenges
In the months spanning November 2023 to January 2024, ten public-facing women in Sierra Leone, representing diverse fields, engaged in discussions shedding light on the multifaceted challenges they encounter. Journalist Christian Conteh, supported by Internews under its Public Awareness Fellowship Program, spearheaded this initiative. The findings, unveiled in this report, underscore the struggles faced by these women in various sectors, from politics and journalism to civil society and market trade.
Challenges Unveiled:
The heart of the report lies in exposing the challenges experienced by these women, with societal biases, cyberattacks, limited visibility, and the ongoing fight for gender equality at the forefront. In a powerful collection of snapshots, these women narrate their encounters with misrepresentation, harassment, intimidation, and the distressing influence of online hate during campaigns against issues like Female Genital Mutilation.
Impact on Personal Lives and Professional Work:
The toll of these challenges extends beyond professional realms, permeating personal lives. Cyberattacks emerge as a relentless force, impacting not only personal security but also inducing worry within families. The women candidly share how these trials erode personal freedoms and sometimes restrict their ability to speak out on various topics, highlighting the psychological strain accompanying such endeavours.
Strategies for Overcoming Challenges:
In navigating this intricate landscape, the women have developed strategies born from necessity. From resilience and persistence to networking, fact-checking, and fostering alliances, these approaches aim to counter challenges and pave the way for equal representation. The collective emphasis on patience, perseverance, and advocacy for human rights stands as a testament to the resilience of these public-facing women.
Role of Local Media:
The report accentuates the pivotal role of local media in amplifying the voices and experiences of women. While acknowledging progress, the women highlight existing gaps, stressing the need for more comprehensive coverage. They call for media outlets to focus on less privileged women and ensure a broad representation of women’s stories and experiences in different areas of public life.
Experiences with Local Media:
The women express confidence in engaging with local media, but caution prevails due to past experiences with misrepresentation. The importance of clarity in communications to prevent potential misinterpretations is emphasized. The report showcases their diverse experiences, demonstrating a strong history of engagement with the media, with some remaining cautious due to concerns over misrepresentation and bias.
Misrepresentation and Steps Taken:
Several women recount instances of misrepresentation, with efforts made to rectify inaccuracies. Direct communication with media outlets for clarifications is a common strategy, although ensuring corrections remains challenging. The women collectively underscore the importance of accurate media representation for women in public roles.
Recommendations for Improved Reporting:
The report concludes with recommendations for the media, stressing the need for accurate, unbiased storytelling and inclusive editorial policies. Suggestions include conscious diversification of sources, comprehensive coverage of women’s achievements, and gender sensitivity training for journalists. The women emphasize the role of accurate media coverage in fostering peace, national development, and empowering women in public roles.
In the face of these challenges, the public-facing women of Sierra Leone stand resilient, advocating for change and striving for a more equitable and inclusive society.
Note: The detailed report produced with support from Internews (US) – which, along with partners, is working to advance women’s protection and public participation in Sierra Leone can be accessed here:
