Liberia: Female Journalists Convene in Monrovia to Strengthen Leadership, Safety, and Professional Growth in Liberia’s Media Sector - FrontPageAfrica

Monrovia, Liberia — Female journalists from across Liberia on Thursday gathered in Monrovia as the Female Journalists Association of Liberia held its annual retreat, creating a national platform for dialogue, reflection, and strategic planning on issues affecting women’s leadership, safety, and career advancement within the country’s media sector.

By Patience M. Jones

The gathering brought together media practitioners, government representatives, and development partners, all united by a shared commitment to improving the working environment and professional opportunities for women in journalism.

The retreat provided an opportunity for participants to assess the current state of women’s participation in the media, share experiences from newsrooms across the country, and identify practical strategies to strengthen collaboration and professional development. Discussions centered on improving working conditions, addressing systemic barriers, and increasing women’s representation in leadership and decision making positions within media institutions nationwide.

Delivering a special statement at the event, Madam Esther S. Davis Yango, Executive Director of the Women NGOs Secretariat of Liberia, challenged female journalists to remain firm and unapologetic in defending their safety, leadership ambitions, and professional rights.

She described journalism as a powerful but often demanding profession for women and urged participants to collectively confront the challenges that continue to limit their full participation and advancement.

Speaking under the theme Strengthening Women’s Leadership and Representation Building a Supportive Workspace for Growth in the Media, Madam Yango commended the Female Journalists Association of Liberia for its consistent advocacy and dedication to amplifying women’s voices within the media landscape.

She noted that the theme reflects the daily realities faced by women in newsrooms, where professional competence is often undermined by structural inequality and unsafe working environments.

Madam Yango emphasized that while talent and hard work are essential, they are not enough for women to thrive in systems that are unequal or hostile. She described women journalists as agenda setters and truth tellers whose work plays a vital role in defending democratic values and shaping public discourse.

According to her, the contributions of women in the media extend far beyond reporting, as they influence how issues are framed and how communities understand national and global developments.

Despite their contributions, she observed that many women journalists continue to encounter deep rooted challenges, including limited access to leadership roles, unequal pay, and various forms of harassment both online and within physical workspaces.

She stressed that overcoming these obstacles requires more than individual resilience and personal sacrifice, calling instead for deliberate and sustained institutional reforms within media organizations to create safer and more equitable work environments.

Madam Yango explained that a supportive workspace is one where women journalists are protected from harassment and violence, where maternity and caregiving responsibilities are respected rather than penalized, and where ethical journalism is promoted and defended. She added that leadership in the media should not be measured by dominance or authority, but by integrity, collaboration, and the courage to stand for fairness and truth.

Highlighting the impact of women’s leadership in newsrooms, Madam Yango noted that when women hold decision making positions, critical national issues such as gender based violence, political participation, climate justice, public health, and economic inequality are often covered with greater depth, sensitivity, and accuracy. She clarified that such reporting should not be dismissed as advocacy journalism, but recognized as responsible and inclusive journalism that reflects the lived realities of society.

She further encouraged journalists to see the media not only as a mirror of society, but as a powerful force capable of shaping social norms and influencing public thinking. She reminded participants that the stories they choose to tell, and those they choose to ignore, can challenge harmful practices, expose injustice, and inspire positive change. In this regard, she stressed the importance of solidarity among women journalists as a means of building collective strength and resilience.

Commending FeJAL’s efforts to develop a Five-Year Strategic Plan, Madam Yango urged the association to ensure that its future direction is anchored in collective care, feminist leadership, safety, and long term sustainability. She reaffirmed the commitment of the Women NGOs Secretariat of Liberia to standing in solidarity with women in the media and supporting initiatives that promote their growth and protection.

She assured participants that their voices matter, their leadership is essential, and their safety is non-negotiable, pledging continued support from WONGOSOL toward building a media sector where women are empowered to lead, grow, and transform narratives for present and future generations.