SLAJ Presidential candidate Mustapha MK Sesay has officially aligned his campaign manifesto with the national Women and Girls Empowerment (GEWE) Act by pledging a 30% quota for female journalists’ representation across Sierra Leone. He made this landmark announcement during the official launch of his manifesto, Fresh Start for SLAJ, held at YMCA.
The pledge resonated strongly throughout the hall and earned enthusiastic applause from key stakeholders, including Mr. John Koroma, CEO of #SheStands. Koroma expressed his support, highlighting Sesay’s progressive vision for improving the status of women in journalism, his thoughtful commitment to female journalists is exactly what the sector needs, Koroma stated, urging young journalists to back Sesay in the upcoming June 7 elections.
#SheStands, a movement advocating for women’s representation in media before, during, and after Sierra Leone’s 24th multi-tier elections, has championed the fight against under-representation under the GEWE framework, this endorsement marks a significant moment for gender equality within SLAJ, reflecting growing momentum toward inclusive leadership.
As the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) approaches its 2025 National Elections scheduled for June 7, one candidate has emerged with a compelling vision of leadership Alhaji Manika Kamara. His message is clear: SLAJ does not need just a fresh start; it needs decisive, action-oriented leadership.
I am not perfect, Kamara openly admitted, but I will be a listening leader. I have served SLAJ with humility, passion, and dedication, and I am ready to continue that service as your next President. Kamara’s grassroots engagement and track record as SLAJ’s Secretary General have won the trust of many journalists nationwide. He stands out for his practical approach to addressing key issues such as resource constraints, journalist safety, and professional development.
Unlike calls for complete overhaul, Kamara believes in strengthening SLAJ’s existing systems, amplifying advocacy, and taking tangible steps to protect and empower media professionals. Leadership is not just a title; it’s a responsibility to listen and deliver results for journalists everywhere, he affirmed.
Kamara demonstrated his leadership skills during the SLAJ Presidential Debate organized by the Sierra Leone Reporters Union, themed strengthening democratic engagement and Accountability within the media Sector, he impressed panellists and attendees alike with his clear vision, firm grasp of media challenges, and actionable proposals on issues including press freedom, journalist welfare, and institutional growth.
Observers described Kamara’s performance as confident and visionary, solidifying his position as a frontrunner in the race, Alhaji Manika Kamara’s bid for the presidency is built on a manifesto emphasizing action, inclusivity, transparency, and professionalism, his goal is to transform SLAJ into a stronger institution that not only protects journalists but also empowers them, serving as a pillar for ethical journalism and media development in Sierra Leone.
As SLAJ members prepare to vote, Kamara’s candidacy offers more than promises it offers a proven legacy of commitment and a vision for meaningful progress.
Copy right –Printed in the Expo Times News on Friday, May 23th, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
