We have archived all 160+ Media Matters for Women original content programmes to SoundCloud and crowdCaster. The most recent programme from Sierra Leone was by Alinah Kallon, Senior Journalist in Makeni, titled Protecting the Environment, a subject of particular importance to Sierra Leonian rural women and girls following the recent mudslide disaster near Freetown. Alinah’s programme includes interviews with: Bintu Kelfala, Regional Director of the Environment Protection Agency; Alice Neneh James, Regional Manager for Action Aid in Sierra Leone; Suad Koroma, Counselor in Makeni; Mary Hallowel, Chiefdom Chairwoman from Tonkolili; and Maseray Koroma from the 50-50 Group for the Women’s Empowerment for Political Participation and Women in Politics programmes.
Alinah is a founding member of Media Matters for Women based in Sierra Leone. She presented our innovative approach to public service broadcasting at the United Nation’s global conference on women’s empowerment and technology in Paris in 2015, at the height of the Ebola crisis. She has produced numerous programs for the five listening centres she works with in and around Makeni (Northern Province).
Alinah told us:
“I used to work for a news agency and covered stories that tended to be for the urban elites. Now with Media Matters for Women I am seeking out stories and information that women in poor remote villages will find useful. Working as a founding journalist for this organisation has been an incredible journey for me, especially when I watch people listening to our podcasts and learning about their rights, and even more importantly when they provide feedback on what I have produced. Our podcasts transform lives and lead to better decision-making among rural women and girls, most of whom cannot read or write.”