By Michaella Faith Wright

Amie Bojang-Sissoho, the Press and Public Relations Officer at the Office of the President, delivered a powerful statement as a guest speaker at an event in partnership with the Media Academy for Journalism and Communication. She emphasized the importance of empowering women through media literacy and highlighted how this project comes at a critical time in The Gambia’s transition to democracy.

Bojang-Sissoho expressed her joy in introducing this significant project, noting that it aligns with the country’s progress in media and information policy aimed at public engagement and enlightenment. She pointed out that the Access to Information Act and the increase in private media outlets are clear indications of this expanded space. However, she raised an important question: “How do women fare in media access?” This, she said, is why the media information literacy project is timely and necessary.

She explained that media literacy may sound new to some, but it encompasses both electronic and print media, focusing on their role in making information accessible to the public. She highlighted how young women in the media are now given the opportunity to harness technology, control information, and convey their messages with purpose. Being media literate, she said, allows young women to define media as a tool for disseminating accurate information, especially in an era plagued by fake news, disinformation, and misinformation.

“The ability to use technology to connect to and access information for media content creation is critical,” Bojang-Sissoho emphasized. She called for reflection on how the media functions as a tool and its impact, particularly as the internet becomes central to content creation. Her statement served as a rallying call to use media as a transformative force in empowering women and shaping society through responsible information sharing.