By: Aja Beyai
The Women Sports Reporters Commission (WSRC), under the Sports Journalists’ Association of The Gambia (SJAG), marked International Women’s Day with a bold call to accelerate action against gender inequality in sports media coverage. The vibrant event took place at Seaview Gardens Hotel, drawing leading voices from journalism, sports administration, and athletics to spotlight persistent barriers and demand systemic change.
Isatou Keita, President of the Gambia Press Union, delivered a stirring address, reflecting on the uphill battles women face in newsrooms. She described how female journalists are frequently sidelined for high-profile assignments and forced to outperform their male counterparts to gain recognition. “Presence is not the same as power,” Keita asserted, urging genuine equal opportunities and meaningful representation rather than token inclusion.
Omar Jarju, President of SJAG, commended the WSRC for its role as a catalyst for progress. He highlighted the commission’s efforts to bridge divides, elevate women’s perspectives in sports reporting, and foster an inclusive environment. Jarju pledged SJAG’s ongoing support to expand opportunities, ensuring women claim their rightful space in Gambian sports journalism.
WSRC Chairperson Sarjo Baldeh, a trailblazing sports photographer and advocate, declared a new era of visibility. “The days of silence are over,” she proclaimed, encapsulating the group’s resolve to challenge underrepresentation and amplify marginalized voices.
The program featured two impactful panel discussions. The first assembled experts included Mrs. Ida Bah of the National Sports Council, football coach Mrs. Choro Mbenga, women’s football specialist Sainey Sissohore-Mboge, and Mrs. Yassin Jaal Mboob from the ISSA Athlete Commission. They explored practical pathways to gender equity across sports governance and development.
A second panel spotlighted female athletes from football, basketball, and volleyball. They candidly shared the consequences of scant media attention on women’s sports in The Gambia—limited sponsorships, slower growth, and fewer role models for young girls. The athletes stressed that greater visibility through dedicated coverage is essential for recognition, funding, and inspiration. They urged media outlets to prioritize balanced reporting to fuel progress and empower the next generation.
The gathering underscored the resilience of women in Gambian sports journalism and athletics, who persist despite the disparities they face. As International Women’s Day highlights global efforts for equality, the WSRC event served as a rallying point for tangible reforms in local media landscapes, insisting that true equity demands accelerated, collective action.
