From December 18–20, 2025, the Female Journalists Association of Liberia (FeJAL) convened its Annual Retreat, bringing together women journalists from across the country for a deeply reflective, engaging, and forward-looking gathering. The retreat marked a significant institutional milestone one that combined accountability, dialogue, celebration, and strategic action while reinforcing FeJAL’s role as a national platform for women’s leadership in journalism.
Day One: Visibility, Leadership, and National Reflection
The retreat opened with keynote addresses and special remarks that set the tone for three days of purposeful engagement. Central among these was a keynote address delivered by Hon. Joseta Neufville Wento, Chief Executive Officer of the National Road Fund, whose presence and message underscored the importance of women’s leadership, professionalism, and accountability in public life.
Her address emphasized resilience, ethical leadership, and the role women play in shaping institutions and national development messages that strongly resonated with women journalists navigating complex professional and civic spaces. The keynote reinforced the value of women’s voices in decision-making and inspired participants to continue leading with confidence and integrity.
A major highlight of Day One was the official launch of FeJAL’s website, a landmark achievement in the Association’s digital transformation
The website launch symbolized more than technological progress. It represented visibility, accessibility, and institutional credibility for a women-led, membership-based association. Through this platform, FeJAL’s work, advocacy, and institutional memory are now accessible beyond physical boundaries, positioning the Association as a modern, digitally responsive professional body.
This was followed by special remarks from invited guests and partners, acknowledging FeJAL’s growth, resilience, and expanding national relevance. These remarks reinforced the importance of collaboration and sustained support for women journalists across Liberia.
The opening sessions concluded with photo sessions, documenting a historic moment of unity and leadership among women journalists representing all 15 counties.
Panel Discussions: Confronting Critical Issues in Journalism
Day One featured in-depth panel discussions addressing some of the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing women journalists today.
One panel focused on Combating Online Violence Against Women and Girls, with particular emphasis on women journalists. Moderated by Gloria Wleh, a Liberian Journalist, the discussion explored digital harassment, online threats, gender-based attacks, and their impact on women’s safety, mental health, and professional participation.
Participants shared experiences and examined strategies for protection, advocacy, digital safety, and policy engagement. The session highlighted the urgent need for collective action and institutional support to safeguard women journalists in online spaces.
Another panel examined Gender-Responsive Reporting, Women’s Aspirations, and Women’s Leadership, moderated by Weyatta Rosemarie McKeever, Talk Show Host.
This discussion underscored the power of journalism in shaping narratives and influencing social change. Participants reflected on how gender responsive reporting can challenge stereotypes, elevate women’s voices, and inspire women journalists to see themselves as leaders within newsrooms and society at large.
Together, these panels reaffirmed FeJAL’s commitment to ethical journalism, gender equality, and safe, inclusive media environments.
County Voices and Organizational Accountability
A key feature of the retreat was the updates from County Coordinators, representing all 15 counties of Liberia. Each coordinator presented achievements, challenges, and lessons learned from their respective counties.
The interactive question-and-answer session that followed encouraged shared learning, transparency, and accountability. These exchanges ensured that national priorities remain grounded in local realities and reinforced FeJAL’s commitment to decentralization.
Building on this, members received an overview of FeJAL’s organizational progress and the presentation of the Annual Report by FeJAL’s President Lisa Tenneh Diasay, providing a transparent account of governance, programs, partnerships, and institutional growth.
Day Two: Governance Review and Strategic Direction
Day Two focused on strengthening FeJAL’s internal systems and future readiness, beginning with a review of the FeJAL Constitution.
Members examined governance provisions to ensure relevance, inclusivity, and alignment with the Association’s evolving mandate, reaffirming FeJAL’s commitment to democratic processes and institutional integrity.
The retreat then transitioned into strategic planning and review sessions, conducted through plenary and breakout discussions.
Participants engaged deeply with FeJAL’s mission, challenges, and opportunities, contributing ideas rooted in lived experience. The sessions fostered collaboration, critical thinking, and collective ownership of the Association’s future.
A consolidation session followed, harmonizing strategic priorities identified across the breakout groups.
This process led to consensus on key focus areas, including digital innovation, leadership development, regional empowerment, advocacy for safe media spaces, and institutional sustainability.
The day concluded with the adoption of the Retreat Communiqué, along with formal resolutions, recommendations, and action points.
These outcomes translated dialogue into concrete commitments and directly informed FeJAL’s Five-Year Strategic Plan.
Celebration, Wellness, and Sisterhood
The retreat also intentionally created space for connection and celebration. An Awards Night recognized excellence, dedication, and service among women journalists and supporters of FeJAL’s mission.
A Sports Day further promoted wellness, teamwork, and camaraderie among members.
These moments strengthened bonds and reflected FeJAL’s holistic approach to leadership one that values professional excellence alongside well-being and solidarity.
A Defining Institutional Moment
The 2025 FeJAL Annual Retreat was more than an event; it was a defining moment of reflection, alignment, and renewal. It strengthened national cohesion, elevated critical conversations on gender and media, reinforced accountability, and positioned FeJAL as a forward looking, member driven Association.
As FeJAL moves into 2026 and beyond, the insights, resolutions, and strategic priorities that emerged from this retreat will continue to guide its work ensuring that women journalists are not only participants in Liberia’s media landscape, but leaders shaping its future.