"What men can do, we can do.” Kadiatou Kamara, a radio journalist in Port Loko narrates
"What men can do, we can do.” Kadiatou Kamara, a radio journalist in Port Loko narrates how Talking Drum Studio radio programs inspire her to become a journalist.
"I didn't even want to be a journalist," says Kadiatou, a radio reporter in Port Loko. "Listening to Talking Drum's studio shows, I was struck. I felt how much of an impact they had on people, and it inspired me to contribute in the same way to changing the lives of women."
For the past seven years, Bankasoka Radio, located in Port Loko, the most populous district in northern Sierra Leone, has been one of Talking Drum Studio's (TDS) many partners broadcasting its radio programs. Many of these shows are women-specific, covering topics such as governance, political participation, gender-based violence, or teen pregnancy.
To ensure that women receive daily news that reflects them accurately and equally, TDS trained Kadiatou in gender-sensitive reporting. "We now have all the tools to produce sensitive, unbiased, transparent reports that contribute to our communities. This has enabled us to be nominated as the best community radio station in Sierra Leone. "
However, relations between women in the district have not always been harmonious. In a highly divided political environment, where even family members belonging to different parties are at war, they have not been spared exclusive discourse. "Our radio programs have finally had more influence than political speeches, and their status as women now outweighs any political ideology. TDS has made it clear that every person has the right to choose a political party, just like the right to life or freedom."
Women are now taking peace into their own hands. "Women's groups have started to form, including women from opposing political parties who used to clash. They promote peace, resolve conflicts, and organize joint activities to strengthen their bonds, such as soccer matches".
Kadiatou has also changed. She blossoms a little more each day, as a reporter, as a woman. "Before, I was ashamed to speak in public. TDS has encouraged me to speak up, to defend my rights and those of other women. Now girls and women in my community come to me when they need help. I am proud of the lives I have been able to change."
With women's empowerment, representation in politics is changing; taboos are falling, women are pushing the doors, one after the other.
"What men can do, we can do. We now have a female section chief, whereas before, people were against it. We now pave the way for more women in parliament, working side by side with men for the development of our country," concludes Kadiatou with a confident smile.
The sun is about to set, enveloping her in its golden light. Kadiatou kindly announces she is going home to help her family prepare for the breaking of the Ramadan fast. Changing hats as gracefully as they change their listeners, women are definitely at the heart of everything that brings us together.
