Renowned Sierra Leonean journalist, Asmaa James, recently celebrated her 22nd anniversary working at Radio Democracy 98.1FM. Known for her dedication to reporting accurate and unbiased news, Asmaa James has become a respected figure in the media industry.
Reflecting on her long and successful career, Asmaa expressed her gratitude for the platform that allowed her to inform, educate, and inspire her listeners. However, she also acknowledged that it is time for a new chapter in her life. By the end of September 2023, Asmaa plans to embark on new adventures, challenges, and victories.
On her social media handles, Asmaa shared her thoughts on this upcoming transition. She stated, “There is a time and a season for everything under the Sun. Twenty-two years it has been… years of learning & growth. By the end of September 2023, I will end my journey at Radio Democracy 98.1FM to face a season of new adventures, challenges, and wins! Exploring the road not taken that will undoubtedly lead to somewhere.”
While bidding farewell to her beloved radio station, James is excited about the road less traveled that awaits her. She is confident that her journey will lead her to new opportunities where she can continue making a positive impact on society.
Asmaa James is a Sierra Leone journalist and women’s rights activist. According to the BBC’s list of “100 Women” for 2019, she is one of the 100 most inspiring and influential women in the world.
James was born in Freetown and brought up as an orphan in Pujehun. In 2016, she was selected for Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders award, giving her the opportunity to hone her skills and develop professionally at a higher education institution in the United States.
She is currently the host for the “Good Morning Sierra Leone”, a human rights program on Radio Democracy 98.1. Prior to this, she worked as a radio reporter. She served as station manager of Radio Democracy (www.radiodemocracy.sl), an independent, civil-society-owned radio station. She also served as vice-president of the Sierra Leone Reporters Union, and president of Women in the Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL), an organization supporting the advancement of women in the media, and providing protection and capacity building for its membership.[5]
James founded the Asmaa James Foundation, during the aftermath of the Ebolaepidemic. Her foundation provides support to girls from disadvantaged backgrounds by giving them access to reproductive health education, scholarships, mentoring, and life skills training.[1] In December 2018, she initiated the Black Tuesday campaign to protest against the rise of rape and abuse of girls under 12. This campaign encouraged women to wear black on the last Tuesday of every month. The campaign influenced the sitting president to declare a state of emergency on rape and reform policies surrounding sexual violence
- 2014 – James was recognised as the most outstanding female journalist in Sierra Leone by the Independent Media Commission.[1]
- 2016 – Mandela Washington Fellow[4]
- 2019 – Recognised as one of the 100 BBC Women