-Say her ability will propel FeJAL to new heights
Ahead of the Female Journalists Association of Liberia (FeJAL) election, a group dubbed- Liberian Women Journalists for a Better FeJAL, has petitioned the candidacy of Ms. Lisa Tenneh Diasay, an astute Liberian female journalist. Having scanned the entire membership of the Association, the group petitioned Ms. Diasay over the weekend, up Benson Street, central Monrovia.
“We trust your ability will propel FeJAL to new heights, fostering an environment that exudes inclusivity, professionalism, and empowerment for all women journalists in Liberia. It is against this background that we have assemble and do hereby petition you to contest for the position of President in the upcoming election of the Female Journalists Association of Liberia slated for December 15, 2023. We pledge our unwavering support and commitment to canvas for the votes for a convincing win in this election. Please accept our petition and be assured of our highest esteem as we anticipate a favorite and positive response-“they noted.
In their official petition statement, they noted- “In Liberia, female journalists have long been the silent heroes of our media landscape, persistently battling against numerous challenges that have hindered their professional growth and success in the industry. The Female Journalists Association of Liberia (FeJAL) has been instrumental in advocating for gender equality, empowering women in journalism, and amplifying the voices of female journalists in our nation. However, the journey towards equality remains a difficult one, marked by gender disparities, inequality, and limited opportunities for women in the media.”
“These challenges faced by us female journalists in Liberia are multi-faceted. Gender disparities persist in newsrooms, with women often facing unequal pay, fewer leadership opportunities, and limited access to resources. Inequality is further exacerbated by societal biases, making it imperative for an organization like FeJAL to stand as a beacon of hope and progress.
Recognizing the urgency of this situation, we, the undersigned members, and supporters of FeJAL from the 15 political subdivisions of Liberia come together with great determination to advocate for a transformative change.”
The petitioners say- “We firmly believe that it is crucial to have a leader who can address these pressing issues and drive FeJAL toward a brighter and more equitable future. Having scanned the entire membership of the Association, we believe that no one is capable enough to provide this kind of leadership at this time other than you Ms. Lisa Tenneh Diasay
We, believe that you (Lisa Tenneh Diasay), with your unwavering dedication to the advancement of women journalists and proven track record as a strong advocate for gender equality and equal opportunities, stand as a beacon of light for FeJAL.”
“We are convinced that your leadership can bridge the gender gap, uplift the voices of female journalists, and empower them to thrive in a profession that has for too long been marked by disparities and challenges.
The importance of having you, (Lisa Tenneh Diasay) at the helm of FeJAL cannot be overstated. Your commitment to amplifying women’s voices, creating a diverse and inclusive environment, and championing women’s rights aligns perfectly with the pressing needs of our association and its members.”
They add- “With your leadership, we can address the unique challenges faced by female journalists, promote ethical standards, and establish an accountable and transparent association that truly represents the aspirations and achievements of women in journalism. Our decision to petition you today is based on the ten counts below that highlight your capacities and potential to deliver the FEJAL we longed for; and they are as follow: 1.Recognition of Outstanding Leadership: We, the undersigned members, and supporters, acknowledge that your outstanding leadership qualities and immense dedication to the advancement of women journalists in Liberia. Your contributions as a strong advocate for gender equality and equal opportunities for all have demonstrated your suitability and commitment to effectively transform the Female Journalists Association of Liberia (FeJAL).”
“A Vision for Empowerment: If we women in the media, especially female journalists must contribute to shaping public opinions and influencing public policies, they must be fully empowered to compete or complement our male colleagues. This requires FeJAL to provide them with different opportunities for such. We firmly believe that your passion for empowering others which you are demonstrating through your mentorship programs for both males and females, has qualified you to serve as president of FeJAL. We trust your ability to provide a leadership that will prioritize creating a thriving environment where all females in the media, especially female journalists can shine, thrive, and contribute meaningfully to the profession. Through your advocacy efforts, we trust that she will push for robust programs aimed at enhancing the skills, knowledge, and capacity-building of FeJAL members.”
Moreover- they petitioners noted, “Amplifying Women’s Voices: One of the main reasons for the establishment of FeJAL is to give women in the media a voice and bring their issues to the limelight. You have consistently demonstrated your dedication to amplifying the voices of women journalists, highlighting their achievements, challenges, and experiences which are not unique to Liberia alone. This passion led to your establishment of the Women’s TV-Liberia, a platform exclusively dedicated to bridging the gap in disseminating information on women and gender issues. This effort has won you grants from reputable organizations including the International Women Media Foundation (IWMF) and the DefendDefenders. We believe that at the leadership of FeJAL, your commitment to promoting gender-sensitive reporting will ensure that women’s voices receive the attention and respect they deserve within the media landscape.”
“Enhancing Networking and Partnership: You, Lisa Tenneh Diasay understand the pivotal role networking and collaboration play in the growth and success of FeJAL and its members. We believe that, when entrusted with the leadership of FeJAL you will work tirelessly to establish strategic alliances with local and international organizations, media outlets, and relevant stakeholders to create opportunities for networking, mentorship, and professional development of the Association and its members. Additionally, one of the cardinal objectives of FeJAL is to advocate for the promotion, protection, and respect for the rights of women in the media. This can be achieved by forming alliances and partnership to bridge existing gaps by cultivating strong partnerships with local and international organizations that share FeJAL’s vision of empowering women journalists. Through collaborative advocacy efforts, we think you can work towards influencing policies, legislation, and professional standards to address the unique needs and challenges faced by female journalists in Liberia.”
They stressed, “Championing Women’s Rights through Advocacy: We have taken due recognition of and are aware that one of your core strengths lies in your unwavering dedication to championing women’s rights. Through your work, you have advocated for the promotion, respect, and protection of women’s rights, specifically for gender-sensitive policies within the Liberian media landscape and the eradication of gender-based discrimination and violence. We believe that your efforts will contribute to fostering an environment where all women journalists can thrive, free from biases, harassment, and inequality.”
“Building a Diverse and Inclusive Environment: Over the years, we have observed with keen interest firm belief, and conviction in the power of diversity and inclusivity. You have prioritized the creation of an enabling environment where women from diverse backgrounds, including ethnic, religious, and regional backgrounds, have equal opportunities for growth and leadership within your institution and everywhere that you have worked. This is the kind of leadership that we envisage at FeJAL and are convinced that you are most suitable to provide that kind of leadership.”
They continued, “Training for Effective Journalism: Recognizing the importance of continuous learning within the rapidly evolving media landscape, we want a leader who will spearhead efforts to provide regular training and skills development opportunities to FeJAL members. We see you do just that on a regular basis through your mentorship program, which as was stated previously, is not directed at only females. We are convinced that by equipping women journalists with the tools and knowledge necessary to excel in their profession, you will empower them to become trailblazers in their respective fields. Promoting Ethical Standards: Upholding ethical standards is one of the challenges of our media landscape, and members of FeJAL are no exception. It is imperative that whoever leads us must demonstrate a level of ethical integrity. We have seen you demonstrate this quality throughout your professional life. This is why we believe that at FeJAL you can uphold the highest ethical standards and promote responsible journalism, characterized by ethical conduct, integrity, transparency, and accountability, thus, laying the foundation for a professional and respected association of women journalists.”
“Commitment to Accountability and Transparency: We have craved for a leadership that can be held accountable for its decisions and actions. We believe in effective communication through regular progress updates, and meaningful engagement with the association’s members, ensuring that their voices and concerns are addressed is the way forward for our Association. With your leadership style which you have exhibited over the years, we strongly believe that you will hold yourself accountable and lead FeJAL in similar manner. Strengthening Partnership for Advocacy: We, the undersigned members of FeJAL believe that you are best suited to help bridge existing gaps by cultivating strong partnerships with local and international organizations that share FeJAL’s vision of empowering women journalists. Through collaborative advocacy efforts, you will work towards influencing policies, legislation, and professional standards to address the unique needs and challenges faced by female journalists in Liberia.”
Furthermore, they say, “Having outlined the counts above, we, the undersigned members, and supporters, acknowledge you Lisa Tenneh Diasay and your outstanding leadership qualities, as well as your immense dedication to the advancement of women journalists in Liberia. Your strong advocacy for gender equality and equal opportunities for all have shown your suitability and commitment to effectively transform the Female Journalists Association of Liberia (FeJAL).”
Article 6, Section 2 of the Constitution of the Female Journalists Association of Liberia provides that officers of FeJAL shall be elected by members for a period of three consecutive years at the last regular meeting in each fiscal year. In light of the above, the EC has announced the Election Guidelines and time table for its upcoming election slated for December 15,2023.
