Born in Freetown and brought up as an orphan in Pujehun, Asmaa James is a Sierra Leonean Journalist, women’s right advocate, founder of the black Tuesday movement and popular host of Sierra Leone’s widely Good morning Salone program on Radio democracy. 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
In 2016, she was selected for Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders award, giving her the opportunity to home her skills and develop professionally at a higher education institution in the United States.
This June marks 20 years in my as a journalist. Wow-what a journey! I have seen it all. laughter crying, sadness and happiness. I have been celebrated with many accolades. I have made many proud, whilst others have been disappointed at me. Well, nonetheless, it's all been good. pic.twitter.com/NlKs3XclhT
— Asmaa kamara James (@asmaakjames) June 23, 2021
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, 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.
James founded the Asmaa James Foundation, during the aftermath of the Ebola epidemic.
Her foundation provides support to girls from disadvantaged backgrounds by giving them access to reproductive health education, scholarships, mentoring, and life skills training.
In December 2018, she initiated the Black Tuesday campaign to protest against the rise of rape and abuse of girls under 12.
Tuesday 8th December 2020 is #BlackTuesday
This marks the 3rd year Anniversary.
Take Action!
Wear Black, take a picture, share with a solidarity message to stand with Survivors of Rape & Sexual Penetration.#BlackTuesdayChallenge #16DaysOfActivism@GirlsPlussl @Purposeful_org pic.twitter.com/uJ8Mfbcvj4
— Asmaa kamara James (@asmaakjames) December 4, 2020
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.
In 2014, Mada Asmaa James was recognised as the most outstanding female journalist in Sierra Leone by the Independent Media Commission.
In 2016, Mandela Washington Fellow
2019 – Recognised as one of the 100 BBC Women.
Madam Asmaa James has been an inspiration to so many girls In Sierra Leone and has helped built so many strong women across the country.
Thank you Madam Asmaa James🙏
© JuneCelebration
