Mrs. Amie Joof-Cole, a veteran Gambian journalist and communications expert and Executive Director of the Inter-African Network for Women, Media, Gender and Development (FAMEDEV), expressed her enthusiasm after participating in a significant panel discussion organized by the World Association for Christian Communication (WACC). The event was held as a side session during the 69th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69), which takes place at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from March 10 to 21, 2025.
During her presentation, Joof delved into the current landscape for women in media, shedding light on their persistent professional challenges. She emphasized that these obstacles underscore an urgent need for greater empowerment of women and girls in the field. “The difficulties women encounter in media are a call to action,” Joof stated, highlighting how these barriers hinder progress toward gender equality.
Joof urged organizations advocating for women’s rights in media to adopt the Global Media Monitoring Project (GMMP) methodology. She argued that this approach provides critical insights into how media portrays women, particularly in poverty, agriculture, and election participation. “Understanding these dynamics is key to crafting effective strategies,” she noted, suggesting that such analysis could pave the way for a robust policy framework to safeguard women’s rights in communication and digital spaces.
The panel, part of the broader CSW69 agenda marking the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (#BeijingPlus30), offered a platform to address pressing gender equality issues. Joof’s recommendations aim to drive progress by tackling systemic challenges and fostering an environment where women’s voices in media are amplified and protected.
Expressing gratitude to her partners, Joof said, “I am thankful for the opportunity to contribute to this vital conversation at such an important event.” Her participation underscores the ongoing global effort to advance women’s rights, aligning with themes of empowerment and equality celebrated annually on International Women’s Day (#8 March) and championed by the United Nations (#NationsUnies).
The event, co-supported by the Global Alliance on Media and Gender (#gamiag), reflects a collective push to address gender disparities in media as the world looks toward a more equitable future.
