The Women Journalists Association of The Gambia (Women Journalists Association of The Gambia), in partnership with the Gambia Press Union (Gambia Press Union) and UNESCO (UNESCO), has concluded a three-month project on the safety and security of female journalists with a high-level national symposium.

The forum brought together political leaders, civil society actors, legal experts and media practitioners to discuss the growing risks faced by women in journalism, including physical attacks, online harassment, newsroom safety and legal challenges.

Participants examined gaps in existing laws and protection mechanisms, with representatives from WoJAG, the GPU and the Female Lawyers Association leading discussions on accountability and reform.

Organisers said female journalists are increasingly exposed to threats, abuse and workplace harassment, which undermine press freedom and women’s participation in public discourse.

The symposium also marked the transition to the next phase of the project, which will include specialised safety training for women journalists, as well as separate sessions for media owners and managers on preventing sexual exploitation and abuse in newsrooms.

WoJAG and the GPU said the initiative aims to promote safer, more inclusive media spaces and stronger collaboration to protect women journalists, while UNESCO stressed that journalist safety is vital to democracy and freedom of expression in The Gambia.

By Adama Makasuba