ADAMA SILLAH: THE POWER OF THE MEDIA CANNOT BE UNDERESTIMATED.

‘In most settings in Africa, women who choose to work in the media are unfairly tagged as drop-outs, loose or dumb women. Such stereotypical thinking from mostly men has greatly affected those who think journalism and the media is where they can thrive as professionals.’

Surprisingly this view is held by most members of our society. Parents discourage their girls from becoming journalists. Husbands advice their wives to do the same. In other cases, young people get into journalism to gain working experience for other careers and others just so they could pay their bills.

Adama Sillah is a journalist who is working hard on changing the narratives surrounding young people who aspire into this field. Her work has granted her loads of recognition but perhaps the thing she is most passionate about; is building a community of women who would collectively surmount the challenges in their industry- to create content which is authentic.

I had an opportunity to talk with this goal getter and this is what she had to say.

Ariana Diaries: What led you to choose journalism, what one word fully describes your journey so far?

ADAMA: One word that describes my journey is Determination. My willingness and passion to serve as a voice for the voiceless triggered my interest in journalism.

Ariana Diaries: What do you value most in life, achievement or purpose? How do you see that at play in your decision making?

ADAMA: I strive to have a sense of purpose, this helps me to know what I really want to achieve in life. It’s easier to set goals and objectives from thereon. This tactic has gone a long way in helping me make brilliant decisions that have impacted my life positively. I believe this will help me to remain focused.

Ariana Diaries: What is the one behavior or trait that you have seen derail women in the media? What advice would you give to your mentees and aspiring media professionals?

ADAMA: One behavior that has served as hindrance to the development of women in the media is lack of self-confidence, focus and self-esteem. It is very factual that the media in Sierra Leone is mainly male dominated. In most settings in Africa, women who choose to work in the media are unfairly tagged as drop-outs, loose or dumb women. Such stereotypical thinking from mostly men has greatly affected those who think journalism and the media is where they can thrive as professionals.

For our young women and girls with interest in the media, I will advise them to stay focused and work towards becoming professionals. They must endeavor to gain 21^st century skills that will enhance their ability to produce great content. This would create lasting impact on their lives and the lives of others.

Ariana Diaries: Name two African women or of African descent leading in the media that inspire you, what lessons have you learnt from their work?

ADAMA: Isha Sesay and Asmaa Kamara James are two African women in the media who have served as an inspiration to me over the years.

I think Asmaa James’s climb up the ladder shows that no matter where you find yourself or how you start your journey, you must hold the following principles: Remain consistent, be vigilant and never stop believing in yourself. Always remember that success comes with hard work,this is something Asmaa has instilled in me. I suppose this is her secret to succeeding in a male dominated world.

Isha Sesay a Sierra Leonean woman who in her own way shone a light on Sierra Leone during her work at CNN. I admire her courage, focus and intelligence. She has excelled professionally and is consistently giving back to the Motherland.

Ariana Diaries: How do you describe empowerment? Why did you choose to set up MIWGEM?

ADAMA: I see empowerment as way of helping people to gain control over their own lives. It is a process that fosters power in people to be self-reliant and independent. An empowered individual can contribute to nation development through community engagement.

MIWGEM was born out of the passion to form a strong network of women and girls specialized in specific areas within the media. This group was created with an intent to deliver solutions in those areas of specialty. Thereby creating a niche for young women in the media, to report on issues around politics, society, sciences, business, culture, health and any interest of their choice.

We are interested in harnessing the skills of young women and girls in written and spoken word. We hope to influence society and bring about change in Sierra Leone and around the world.

Ariana Diaries: The world is information driven, what resources guide you in terms of professional development and growth?

ADAMA: The power of the media cannot be underestimated! There are lots of amazing content on the internet that support career building. I have been able to tap from these opportunities, as well as professional journals. My daily objective is to act professionally, to meet with international standards using knowledge gained.

Ariana Diaries: A reader might be interested in following your story, list your three (3) – must watched interviews?

ADAMA: My journey and life as a journalist has been an amazing one, I must confess. I have learnt a lot during this process and I have been able to transform knowledge into amazing stories and programs. I am happy to refer you to the following I have done;

• A report on rural women engaged in small scale farming in deprived communities.
• An interview with a wonderful photographer and graphics designer Tolu Jethro Bade and his creative team. Very innovative young people who described what photography is and what pictures depicts in the human mind.
• An Interview done at one of Sierra Leone’s oldest Markets, Big Market! That interview brought out our history and our cultural heritage. It enlightened people about the hidden gems that can be found in Sierra Leone.