By Bill W. Cooper
The Managing Editor of Liberia’s oldest postwar Newspaper, The Inquirer Newspaper, Christiana Winnie Saywah-Jimmy continues to serve as an inspiration to the younger generation precisely upcoming Liberian female journalists across Liberia.
This is as a result of the series of recognitions received by local and international organizations/institutions including the ECOWAS and ALJA among others since her appointment as the first female Managing Editor of the paper in the country over a year ago.
For her tireless efforts in promoting professional journalism, equal balance of news sources, and the advancement of women in the Liberian media, Madam Saywah-Jimmy was over the weekend, again recognized and that acknowledgement came from the Musa Bility School of Professional Journalism (MBSPJ) in Paynesville.
She was also awarded alongside other prominent Liberians including OK FM’s Liberia Station Manager, Clarence Jackson; J. Korvan Beyan of Lux FM; Anthony Vanwen formerly of ELBC and LINU political leader, Clarence Moniba, among others, during the institution 2nd commencement program.
Madam Saywah-Jimmy, who has been at the Inquirer Newspaper for over two decades, is no stranger to accolades in recognition for her work.
She has been a trailblazer in the field of journalism, breaking barriers and setting new standards for excellence in reporting.
Her dedication from being an interim, cub reporter, Legislative, Judiciary and Executive Mansion reporter before rising to an Associate Editor and Editor-in-chief couple with her unwavering commitment to upholding the principles of journalism have earned her the respect and admiration of her peers.
Receiving her award, the Inquirer Newspaper boss, on behalf of her family and the institution expressed gratitude for the recognition and dedicated it to the hardworking journalists at the Inquirer Newspaper who have supported her throughout her career.
She also took the opportunity to admonish the young graduating journalists, reminding them that journalism is beautiful not by the faces but one’s ability to command the pen and the microphone in the profession and that, that requires perseverance, dedication, and a commitment to the truth.
“Journalism is easy and it is not an easy profession again because it requires hard work, determination, and willingness to stand up for what is right. As journalists, we have a responsibility to hold those in power accountable, to shine light on injustice and to give voice to the voiceless. It is a tough job, but it is also a rewarding one,” she told the graduates.
Madam Saywah-Jimmy, at the same time, urged her fellow journalists to continue striving for excellence in their work and to never lose sight of the importance of their role in society; making reference to some prominent Liberian female journalists across Liberia.
She then emphasized the need for journalists precisely females to remain vigilant in the face of threats to press freedom, intimidation, and to always uphold the highest standards of professionalism and ethics in their reports.
