In December 2025, in Kangahun, a hamlet in the Southern Province of Sierra Leone, villager Mohamed Foday beamed with joy as he held freshly threshed grains in his hands. “Thanks to the high quality rice seeds and technologies brought by our Chinese friends, this year’s rice yield has increased again.” When the Chinese agricultural expert team arrived here in 2023, the land lay largely barren. After over two years of cultivation, rice yield at the farm has risen from around 3 tonnes per hectare to the current 9 tonnes per hectare. Same story has unfolded at the Ogoo Farm on the outskirts of Freetown, where Chinese cultivation techniques has boosted maize production here from roughly 3 tonnes to 7.5 tonnes.

However, a vast population still faces food security crises around the world. Meanwhile, challenges including climate change, the digital divide, food and energy crises keep emerging one after another. The deficits in peace, security, development and governance continue to expand. The international system established after World War II is under mounting strain. The world now stands at a new crossroads, where its global governance system has reached a point where change is no longer optional.

On 1 September 2025, at a pivotal historical juncture marking the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Global War Against Fascism and the founding of the UN, President Xi Jinping proposed a new initiative, i.e., the Global Governance Initiative (GGI). The GGI is designed to foster a more just and equitable global governance system in which all countries, big or small, can participate in global affairs on an equal footing. It upholds the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and embraces a global governance vision characterized by extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits. It is built on five core concepts: sovereign equality, the international rule of law, multilateralism, a people-centered approach, and real actions.

The Initiative is not just about ideas; China has provided its answer through concrete actions.

First, China adheres to the path of peaceful development and contributes to lasting global peace and stability. China is the second largest contributor to UN peacekeeping budget and the largest troop contributor among the permanent members of the UN Security Council, having dispatched 29 peacekeeping operations authorized by the UN Security Council. China actively promotes peace talks and facilitates negotiations for regional hotspot issues. China offers suggestions and solutions to tackle non-traditional security threats including climate change, food security, terrorism and telecom fraud.

Second, China has always pursued its own growth in the context of humanity’s shared development and provided solutions to the development deficit. China has established the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund, increased its total to 4 billion USD. More than 200 projects have been carried out in over 70 countries, benefiting more than 40 million people. Starting from May, 2026, China has officially extended zero-tariff policy to 53 African countries with diplomatic ties, granting African products easier access to the Chinese market. China has carried out 15,000 training programs for over 180 countries and organizations, training more than 500,000 professionals in total.

Third, China advocates and practices true multilateralism and supports the Global South in playing a greater role. China firmly upholds the international system with the UN at its core, safeguards the international order based on international law, and continuously works to build a more just and equitable global governance system. China took the lead in supporting the African Union’s membership in the G20, worked with relevant parties to advance the historic enlargement of BRICS, and consistently pushes for reforms such as the IMF quota and World Bank shareholding, so as to increase the representation and voice of developing countries and ensure that multilateral platforms better reflect the shared interests of developing countries.

Upon its introduction, the GGI swiftly gained support from nearly 160 countries and international organizations, with over 60 countries joining the Group of Friends of Global Governance. The international community believes that the GGI offers a clear and feasible roadmap for improving global governance, bringing valuable stability and positive energy to a turbulent world.

Global governance is a common endeavor that bears on the wellbeing of all humanity. Both China and Sierra Leone are members of the Global South, share extensive common interests and similar positions on international affairs, and have contributed to reforming the global governance system. In recent years, China has also firmly supported Sierra Leone in playing an important role in international and regional organizations such as the United Nations, the African Union and ECOWAS. The two sides enhance coordination on hotspot issues to jointly uphold multilateralism and safeguard international fairness and justice. Looking ahead, China stands ready to work with Sierra Leone and other countries across the world to implement the GGI, resolutely safeguarding the central role of the United Nations, and make greater contributions to building a more just and equitable global governance system.

By H.E. Zhao Yong, Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/63930

 

The High Court of Sierra Leone has issued an interim injunction restraining senior officials of the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) from exercising key executive functions, prompting the suspension of the party’s internal election complaint proceedings.

The order restrains Osman Foday Yansaneh and Lansana Dumbuya from presenting themselves as executive members of the APC or performing functions assigned to the party’s National Chairman and Leader and National Secretary General, respectively.

Honourable Justice Adrian Fisher reportedly issued the order following an ex parte application heard in the Judge’s Chambers on Thursday, 27 August 2026.

Under the terms of the injunction, the two officials are temporarily prohibited from convening or presiding over executive meetings, managing the affairs of the APC and undertaking duties connected to the day-to-day administration of the party pending hearing on Monday 31s August 2026.

They are also restrained from carrying out activities associated with the offices of National Chairman and Leader and National Secretary General until the application is heard and determined or the court issues another order.

The High Court warned that failure to comply with the injunction could constitute contempt of court. Anyone found to have breached the order could face sanctions, including imprisonment, a fine or the seizure of assets.

The interim ruling has already affected activities undertaken by other structures within the APC, including the Independent Elections Complaint Board (IECB).

In a public notice dated Friday, 28 August 2026, the IECB announced the immediate suspension of all its activities until further notice. The decision includes the postponement of hearings relating to Ward Rerun Election Petitions, which had been scheduled for Saturday, 29 August 2026, in Freetown.

The notice, signed by IECB Secretary, Osman Soura Kamara Esq., informed petitioners, party members and other interested parties that the suspension followed the ruling delivered by Justice Fisher.

“By reason of the ruling of the Honourable Justice A. Fisher dated 27th August 2026, the Board hereby informs all petitioners and the general membership that all activities relating to the APC Independent Elections Complaint Board are suspended until further notice,” the notice stated.

The Board did not provide detailed information about the substance of the legal dispute but confirmed that it would not continue with any election-related complaint proceedings while the court order remains in effect.

The IECB acknowledged that the sudden postponement could inconvenience petitioners and other interested parties, particularly those who had already made arrangements to travel to Freetown for the scheduled hearings.

It apologized to those affected and appealed for patience and cooperation while awaiting further instructions on how to proceed. No new date has been announced for the suspended Ward Rerun Election Petition hearings.

The development comes amid ongoing internal electoral activities and disputes within the APC. The IECB is responsible for considering grievances and petitions arising from the party’s internal election processes.

Reacting to the development, APC Deputy National Publicity Secretary Mohamed Pope Kamara confirmed that an interim injunctive order had been issued and said the matter remains before the court.

According to Mohamed Pope Kamara, the order temporarily restricts the National Chairman, National Secretary General and other affected party structures from performing certain functions pending the next stage of the proceedings on Monday 31s August 2026.

He urged APC members and supporters to remain calm, exercise restraint and respect the judicial process as the party awaits the outcome of the case.

“It is imperative to underscore that the same matter is before the court pending ruling,” Mohamed Pope Kamara said.

He expressed confidence that the dispute would be addressed in accordance with the APC Constitution and the rule of law, maintaining that the party had previously overcome similar internal challenges.

“All party loyalists and members are strongly advised to maintain utmost calm, restraint and decorum,” he added.

Mohamed Pope Kamara described the development as neither strange nor unprecedented in the history of the APC. He said the party remains confident that constitutional procedures would ultimately prevail over personal interests and internal disagreements.

The interim injunction does not represent a final determination of the substantive dispute. It is a temporary measure intended to preserve the existing situation until the court hears the parties and determines the application or issues further directions.

APC members, petitioners and other stakeholders are now awaiting clarification from the court and the party’s leadership regarding the future of the suspended IECB proceedings and other affected executive activities. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/63926

 

The Leader of Government Business in Parliament, Hon. Sahr Edward Nyuma, Chief Education Officer at the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education (MBSSE), Edward Kparka and the  Regional Police Commander for Freetown West, Sylvester M. N. Koroma, have warned against alleged collusion between some parents and school administrators to inflate school fees under the Baba Guru Nanak Scholarship Scheme.

The officials raised the concern on Friday 28 August, 2026 during the 5th Annual Baba Guru Nanak Scholarship ceremony at Sierra Palms Resort in Freetown, where 350 Sierra Leonean children received educational support for the 2026 academic year.

The alleged practice, according to the officials, involves parents and some school authorities providing misleading or inflated fee information in an attempt to obtain more money from the scholarship programme, a conduct they described as dishonest and unacceptable.

Hon. Hon. Sahr Edward Nyuma condemned the alleged manipulation, stressing that scholarship resources are intended to support children from disadvantaged families and should not be exploited for personal gain.

He called for those involved such practices to be identified, investigated and prosecuted, warning that corruption must not be allowed to undermine initiatives designed to improve children's access to education.

Hon. Sahr Edward Nyuma said the country could not effectively fight poverty and improve the lives of its citizens without investing in education. He therefore urged parents and school authorities to protect educational opportunities intended for children rather than manipulate them for financial benefit.

The Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Chief Education Officer, Edward Kpakra, also expressed disappointment over the alleged involvement of some school leaders in the practice.

Chief Education Officer, Edward Kpakra said the Ministry had received information and evidence concerning the alleged conduct and assured the gathering that the matter would be subjected to due diligence.

He disclosed that he would request a comprehensive report from the scholarship awarding body to enable the Ministry to take appropriate action against any malpractice established.

The education official warned that school authorities have a responsibility to uphold integrity and set a good example for children, stressing that corruption within the education system could undermine public confidence and deprive deserving pupils of opportunities.

Regional Police Commander, Sylvester M. N. Koroma, joined the condemnation, describing the scholarship as an investment not only in individual children but also in the future of Sierra Leone.

He said education, coupled with good character, could help young people overcome poverty and become responsible citizens, while reducing some of the social conditions that could contribute to crime.

The Regional Commander urged parents and school authorities to reject dishonest practices and ensure that the scholarship benefits are used for their intended purpose.

The warnings came as the Baba Guru Nanak Scholarship continues to expand. The initiative, which began with 62 children in 2022, has increased to 350 beneficiaries in 2026.

Each beneficiary received full school fees for the academic year, a school bag, exercise books, stationery, lunch box and water bottle, as well as NLe500 towards the purchase of a school uniform and shoes. The overall scholarship package was valued at more than Le2 billion in old Leones.

The scale of the assistance has made transparency and accountability central to the administration of the scheme, with the officials urging parents, schools and beneficiaries to protect the integrity of the programme.

The concerns also highlight the importance of proper verification of school fees and beneficiary information to ensure that resources provided by the sponsors reach the children for whom they are intended.

The officials commended Shri Gurudwara Sahib, Lumley and the Indian Diaspora for investing in the education of Sierra Leonean children, while stressing that such generosity must not be undermined by fraudulent or dishonest practices. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/63924

 

Shri Gurudwara Sahib SL Ltd., Lumley Freetown, in collaboration with the Indian Diaspora, hosted the 5th annual Baba Guru Nanak Scholarship 2026, an initiative aimed at supporting needy and meritorious Sierra Leonean children with educational assistance. The event was hosted on Friday 28th August 2026 at Sierra Palms in Aberdeen, Freetown.

The scholarship programme, which began in 2022 with 62 beneficiaries, has expanded significantly over the years and is supporting 350 children in 2026. The beneficiaries, drawn from private schools in Freetown and other parts of Sierra Leone, received school fees, learning materials and other educational support.

The initiative is backed by the Indian community in Sierra Leone and seeks to reduce the financial barriers faced by families struggling to provide quality education for their children while promoting the values of service, discipline and responsibility.

Chairing the ceremony, Harwinder Kaur Khalsa, popularly known as Shina, urged the 350 beneficiaries to take responsibility for their education, work hard and develop good character. She said the scholarship is not simply about paying school fees but about recognizing the potential of young Sierra Leoneans and assuring them that their future mattered.

“Education is the light that removes darkness,” Harwinder Kaur Khalsa  said, describing the scholarship as an effort to remove barriers that prevent talented children from reaching their potential. She urged the beneficiaries to treat the scholarship as a seed that must be nurtured through hard work, discipline and good character.

She reminded the students that although they attended different schools and wore different uniforms, they shared common aspirations and represented communities across Sierra Leone. She also commended parents for their sacrifices and encouraged other individuals and organisations to support the expansion of the programme, noting that thousands of children still require similar assistance.

Speaking at the event, the Mukh Sevadar of Shri Gurudwara Sahib, Lumley and Chief Executive Officer of Jeety Trading Company, Mohinder Bir Singh Sachdeva, popularly known as Pa Jeety, said the scholarship had grown from 62 beneficiaries in 2022 to 350 in 2026.

Mohinder Bir Singh Sachdeva said the programme was founded on the Sikh principles of sharing with others and promoting the welfare of all. He explained that the 2026 package was valued at more than Le2 billion in old Leones and included full school fees for the academic year, school bags, exercise books, stationery and other learning materials.

Each beneficiary also received a lunch box and water bottle, while NLe500 was provided to assist with the purchase of a school uniform and shoes.

Mohinder Bir Singh Sachdeva described the initiative as an investment in the future of Sierra Leone, saying the support went beyond financial assistance to provide children with “hope, dignity, self-respect and an opportunity to improve their future.” He urged the beneficiaries to study seriously, respect their parents and teachers and after becoming successful, support other children in need.

He also acknowledged the contribution of members of the Indian business community to Sierra Leone’s healthcare sector, including Harish Agani of T. Choithram & Sons for supporting 1,648 free eye operations and Shahroz Ansari of Alhamd Groups for assisting with surgical bills for more than 100 Sierra Leoneans affected by chronic diseases.

Charge d’Affaires a.i. of the High Commission of India in Freetown, Neeraj Kumar Saini, on his remarks, described the ceremony as a celebration of compassion, equality and service to humanity. He commended the Gurudwara and Indian Diaspora for investing in the education of Sierra Leonean children.

Neeraj Kumar Saini reaffirmed capital development in Sierra Leone, highlighting the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations scholarship programme. He disclosed that 50 Sierra Leonean students received ICCR scholarships in 2026 to pursue higher education in India.

He also highlighted India’s wider development assistance to Sierra Leone, including the provision of 15 haemodialysis machines, 1,000 metric tonnes of rice for the school feeding programme and a US$990,000 grant for a project supporting persons with disabilities.

Neeraj Kumar Saini further announced that India is extending a US$32 million Line of Credit through the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development for the construction of the University of Science and Technology in Koidu, Kono District. He expressed hope that some of the scholarship beneficiaries would eventually pursue higher technical education there.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Leader of Government Business in Parliament, Hon. Sahr Edward Nyuma, commended the Indian community, Sachdeva and the Gurudwara for their contributions to education and healthcare. He described the scholarship as an investment in Sierra Leone’s human capital and stressed that education is a major instrument for transforming individuals, families and communities.

“Education is the only instrument you can use to change your life and change the story of this generation,” Hon. Sahr Edward Nyuma said, urging beneficiaries to work hard and make effective use of the opportunity.

The President of the Indian Business Council in Sierra Leone, Harkishin Balani, also urged the beneficiaries to take their education seriously, avoid bad company and remain focused on their goals. He said the expansion from 62 children to 350 beneficiaries demonstrated the commitment of the organizers to investing in Sierra Leone’s future.

Harkishin Balani encouraged the students to study hard, respect their parents and teachers and use the opportunity to overcome poverty. He expressed confidence that the beneficiaries could become successful and responsible citizens who would make their families and country proud.

Representing the Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Chief Education Officer, Edward Kpakra, commended the scholarship programme for improving access to education. He traced its growth from 62 beneficiaries in 2022 to 130 in 2023, 127 in 2024, 200 in 2025 and 350 in 2026.

Edward Kpakra said the scholarship is helping to remove financial barriers to education and urged the beneficiaries to view the assistance as an opportunity to build their future and eventually give back to others.

He also thanked the Government of India for its support to Sierra Leone, particularly in education and the school feeding programme.

Head of Choithrams, Harish Agnani, commended the Indian Diaspora for sustaining the scholarship and described the provision of full scholarships to 350 children as a significant achievement.

Harish Agnani noted that the programme, which began with 62 beneficiaries, had grown considerably and expressed hope that it would expand further. He urged the beneficiaries to study hard, respect their teachers and parents and make good use of the opportunity.

Speaking also at the ceremony was the Director of the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC), Josephine Fatima Kamara, who encouraged the beneficiaries to dream big and work towards becoming professionals in fields including medicine, law, engineering, journalism, aviation and business. Etc.

The SLBC DG emphasized that dreams could only be achieved through hard work, discipline, commitment and good character. She urged the children to “study hard, listen to your parents and teachers, and believe in yourself,” while reminding parents to encourage and nurture both the academic abilities and talents of their children.

She further encouraged the Indian community and the Gurudwara to continue supporting the initiative and appealed to beneficiaries to remember those who assisted them when they eventually become successful.

The Regional Police Commander for Freetown West, Sylvester, M. N. Koroma, described the scholarship as an investment not only in the beneficiaries but also in the future of Sierra Leone.

- N. Koroma said quality education combined with good character could help young people overcome poverty and avoid negative social behaviour. He urged the beneficiaries to study hard, respect their parents and teachers and use the school materials and other support provided to them responsibly.

The ceremony underscored the growing role of the Baba Guru Nanak Scholarship in supporting access to private education for children from families facing financial difficulties. With the number of beneficiaries increasing to 350 and the educational package expanding to include school fees, learning materials, uniforms and other essentials, organizers expressed hope that the initiative would reach more children in the coming years. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/63914

 

Demand for dependable construction materials is rising across Sierra Leone as investment in residential housing, commercial properties and public infrastructure continues to grow.

Responding to the expanding market, FAWAZ Building Materials has increased the availability of RANDCEM 42.5R Cement for engineers, contractors, developers, masons and individuals undertaking construction projects nationwide.

Manufactured in Vietnam and supplied in 50-kilogram bags, RANDCEM 42.5R is suitable for several building applications, including foundations, columns, beams, concrete floors, blocks and other structural works.

FAWAZ Building Materials says the product is designed to provide reliable performance and strong early development when properly mixed, applied and cured. Under suitable working conditions, its reported setting time of about 30 minutes could also help construction teams manage their schedules efficiently.

The company has stressed, however, that durable buildings cannot be achieved through cement quality alone. Safe construction requires approved structural designs, firm foundations, proper reinforcement, accurate measurements, clean sand, appropriate aggregates, skilled workers and qualified supervision.

The amount of water added during concrete preparation is particularly important. Excessive water may weaken the mixture, increase shrinkage and contribute to cracks. Incorrect quantities of cement, sand and aggregate can also reduce structural strength and shorten the useful life of a building.

Builders sometimes apply a mixture of one part cement, two parts sand and four parts aggregate for certain general concrete works. Lean concrete may use one part cement, three parts sand and six parts aggregate. These proportions are only general references and should not replace specifications provided by professional engineers for individual projects.

Proper curing is another major requirement for achieving strong concrete. Newly placed concrete must be kept sufficiently moist during its early stages to support strength development and minimise cracking. Poor curing can affect structural performance even when good-quality cement and other reliable materials are used.

FAWAZ Building Materials has also encouraged customers to observe correct storage procedures. Cement bags should be kept in dry, covered and properly ventilated spaces. They should be placed above floor level and protected from rainwater, leaking roofs, groundwater, damp walls and other sources of moisture.

Once a cement bag has been opened, any unused quantity should preferably be applied within seven days. Where immediate use is impossible, the remaining cement must be tightly sealed to prevent exposure to moisture and air.

Safety measures are equally necessary when handling cement. Construction workers are advised to wear gloves and face masks to reduce contact with cement dust and prevent prolonged skin exposure. Safe lifting methods should also be used when moving the 50-kilogram bags, while cement products must be stored beyond the reach of children.

Concerns over reported building collapses in Sierra Leone have increased public calls for stronger enforcement of construction standards. Structural failures are commonly associated with poor foundations, defective designs, low-quality materials, weak workmanship and insufficient professional supervision.

Industry stakeholders have consequently urged the Sierra Leone Standards Bureau and other relevant authorities to intensify market inspections and regularly examine cement products imported and sold across the country.

Improved monitoring of importers, distributors and retailers could protect consumers, discourage the circulation of substandard materials and ensure that companies compete fairly within the construction market.

FAWAZ Building Materials says its expanded distribution of RANDCEM 42.5R reflects its commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s development through the supply of dependable construction products.

The country’s ability to build safer, stronger and longer-lasting structures will ultimately depend on a combination of quality materials, professional engineering, skilled workmanship, responsible building practices and effective regulatory oversight. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/63908

 

Sierra Leone is intensifying preparations to host two prominent international conferences on access to information in September, with nearly 300 delegates expected to attend from different parts of the world.

The country will host activities marking UNESCO’s International Day for Universal Access to Information alongside the International Conference of Information Commissioners. The three-day programme is scheduled to take place at the JMB International Conference Centre in Lungi.

As part of the preparations, Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, convened a high-level coordination meeting at the Ministry’s conference room. The engagement brought together representatives from several Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies responsible for ensuring the smooth conduct of the events.

Addressing participants, Chernor Bah described the forthcoming conferences as an important milestone for Sierra Leone. He said the anticipated presence of hundreds of foreign delegates reflects increasing international recognition of the country’s efforts to promote transparency, accountability and public access to information.

The Minister called for close cooperation among all institutions involved in the planning process, stressing that the success of the conferences would depend heavily on effective coordination and timely delivery of assigned responsibilities.

He referred to a directive from President Julius Maada Bio urging participating institutions to “put our best foot forward” and ensure that Sierra Leone presents itself positively before the international community.

Chernor Bah further encouraged Government institutions to use the conferences as an opportunity to demonstrate the country’s ability to organize major global events. He said a successful programme could help attract more high-level international conferences and strengthen Sierra Leone’s reputation as a suitable destination for regional and global engagements.

Chairman of the Right to Access Information Commission, Dr. Ibrahim Seaga Shaw, presented a technical update on the planning process. He identified transportation as one of the major logistical areas requiring careful attention and urged institutions to strengthen cooperation ahead of the arrival of delegates.

Representatives from the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Transport and Aviation, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the Office of National Security also provided updates on their respective responsibilities.

The discussions covered transportation, security, healthcare services, internet connectivity, electricity supply, live broadcasting and diplomatic protocol. Participating institutions outlined measures designed to address possible challenges before and during the conferences.

Particular attention was being given to the movement and safety of delegates, reliable communication services, emergency medical arrangements and uninterrupted power throughout the programme.

The Government says the preparations are intended to provide delegates with a well-coordinated experience from their arrival in Sierra Leone to their departure.

Beyond promoting universal access to information, the conferences are expected to provide Sierra Leone with an opportunity to showcase its progress in information governance while strengthening its standing as a potential host of major international events. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/63904

 

The Government of Sierra Leone has called for the effective enforcement of existing gender and employment laws alongside practical newsroom safeguards to protect women working in the media.

Director of Information and Government Services, Francess Josephine Kafula, said measures designed to promote gender justice must also preserve press freedom, editorial independence and journalists’ ability to investigate issues of public interest.

She made the statement during a Policy Dialogue Forum on Gender Justice in the Media, organized by Women in the Media Sierra Leone in partnership with Comic Relief. The event was held on Friday, 21 August 2026, at the Civil Service Training College in Freetown.

Francess Josephine Kafula explained that achieving gender justice requires more than increasing the number of women employed by media institutions. She said newsrooms must create conditions that allow female professionals to join the industry, build sustainable careers, assume leadership responsibilities and perform their duties without discrimination, harassment or intimidation.

According to her, evidence presented during the forum showed that the challenges confronting women journalists were neither theoretical nor isolated. She said unsafe working conditions could undermine the welfare of media practitioners and weaken the quality, credibility and independence of journalism.

Francess Josephine Kafula cited the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act of 2022 and the Employment Act of 2023 as important legal instruments already available to address discrimination and workplace abuse.

She, however, maintained that stronger enforcement is necessary to ensure that the protections contained in those laws translate into meaningful improvements for women working in newsrooms and other media spaces.

The Director welcomed the proposed Safeguarding Charter, describing it as a practical framework through which media institutions could turn legal obligations and public commitments into clear workplace procedures.

She said journalists experiencing abuse should know where and how to report their concerns, who would receive the complaints and what measures would protect their identities. Reporting systems, she added, must also shield complainants and witnesses from retaliation.

The proposed charter provides for confidential complaint mechanisms, transparent investigation procedures, protection against reprisals, referral services, digital-security measures, management accountability and regular monitoring of implementation.

Francess Josephine Kafula also drew attention to the growing dangers faced by women journalists online. She noted that media work now extends far beyond traditional newsrooms, exposing female professionals to harassment, threats and intimidation through social-media platforms and other digital channels.

Safeguarding policies, she argued, must therefore address risks in both physical and online working environments.

While supporting stronger protections, Francess Josephine Kafula cautioned against introducing measures that could interfere with editorial decision-making or restrict legitimate journalism. She maintained that safety and press freedom should reinforce each other rather than be treated as competing priorities.

“A safe journalist is better positioned to work independently, investigate issues of public interest and contribute to an informed society,” she said.

Discussions at the forum were informed by findings from a 2025 global study examining sexual harassment in the media. The research included responses from 298 participants in Sierra Leone and identified gender differences in experiences involving verbal, online and physical sexual harassment.

The briefing clarified that the results represented the experiences of those who participated in the study and should not be interpreted as a comprehensive assessment of every journalist or media institution in the country.

Under the emerging framework, the Government is expected to support the enforcement of existing gender and labour legislation, increase awareness of workplace rights, strengthen journalist safety and digital protections and encourage media organisations to comply with national employment standards.

It is also expected to work with regulators, professional associations, Civil Society Organisations and media owners to develop workable approaches for implementation.

Francess Josephine Kafula urged all parties to ensure that the dialogue produced concrete outcomes instead of ending with another statement of intent.

“We should not leave this dialogue with another declaration. We should leave with measurable commitments,” she said.

The forum concluded with participants presenting gender justice as a wider institutional reform issue involving workplace safety, equality, staff welfare, female representation, digital rights, accountability and media freedom. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/63899