Liberia: Director-General of NaFAA, all set to tackle gender disparity in journalism. CFWIJ welcomes her initiative.

Photo Credit: Front Page Africa

January 29, 2021, Paynesville -  Emma Metieh Glassco, the Director-General of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority of Liberia, addressed the Female Journalists Association of Liberia (FeJal) in a local hotel where she encouraged greater female participation in the field of journalism.

Glassco rued the state of gender disparity in her country, acknowledging that most key positions - whether in government, in offices, or in academic - are held by men results in the underrepresentation of women in important discussions. To counter this, there is a need to address the “conscious” and “unconscious” discrimination, according to Glassco. A key concern for her is the increased backlash women face in the field of journalism which is already a risky profession. 

The director-general went on to emphasize the need for gender partnership to open greater possibilities for women. Highlighting the systemic advantage that men hold over women, Glassco encouraged women to engage them for more fruitful ends. 

Even though appreciative of the strides women are making in society, Glassco was critical of the leadership of the Press Union of Liberia that continues to largely be controlled by men despite women members. According to Glassco, vying for leadership is not just about power or position, but rather about the trust that members can hold in an organization, which is important for the organization to thrive. She, thus, encouraged women to continue the fight for greater parity in the field of journalism and to not settle for mediocrity.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is appreciative of Director-General Glassco’s statements as well as her emphasis upon great female participation in the field of journalism. It is important that holders of powerful office be vocal about their support for women journalists in these times where women are struggling to carve out for themselves a place in public spaces, especially in fields as high-risk as journalism.