By: Audrey Raymonda John
Journalists across Sierra Leone have called for improved welfare, better working conditions, fair remuneration, and stronger protection of press freedom during a workshop focused on strengthening media freedom and journalists’ working conditions in the country.
The workshop brought together reporters, media practitioners, union leaders, and representatives of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) to discuss the growing challenges facing journalists and explore solutions to improve the profession.
The event featured two panel discussions centered on poor working conditions, low salaries, welfare concerns, and the safety and protection of journalists.
The first session, moderated by journalist Mariama Isa, focused on identifying collective strategies for securing better pay and improved working conditions for reporters.
In her opening remarks, Isa described reporters as the backbone of journalism in Sierra Leone, emphasizing their critical role in gathering news and holding institutions accountable despite the difficult circumstances under which many work.
“You are the frontline of journalism in Sierra Leone. You are the ones chasing stories and uncovering the truth. Yet, for far too long, reporters have continued to face poor salaries, lack of healthcare, and inadequate conditions of service,” she stated.
She recounted the experience of a colleague who earns an extremely low salary despite being a student, husband, and father, noting that such situations reflect the harsh realities faced by many journalists across the country.
Isa explained that the session was deliberately designed for reporters only, excluding editors and media managers, to create a safe space for participants to openly share their experiences, concerns, and recommendations.
Speaking during the session, Yeanor Kabia, President of the Sierra Leone Reporters Union (SLRU), identified poor remuneration, weak welfare systems, and the absence of social security protections as some of the most pressing challenges confronting reporters.
Kabia noted that many journalists are either underpaid or receive no salary at all, while others are paid irregularly through mobile money without formal employment contracts or benefits. “One of the biggest challenges reporters face is poor working conditions and low pay. Some are not even registered with NASSIT, and many work without proper welfare support,” she said.
She encouraged journalists to take union membership seriously, stressing that collective action remains the most effective tool for advocating better welfare and professional protection.
Kabia disclosed that since assuming office two years ago, the SLRU leadership has prioritized rebuilding and strengthening the union. According to her, the organization has successfully registered more than 800 reporters nationwide and developed a constitution to guide its operations and governance.
Also addressing participants, Jeremy Dear, Secretary of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), described the situation facing journalists in Sierra Leone as deeply concerning.
Presenting findings from a recent welfare survey, Dear revealed that 26 percent of journalists receive no monthly salary, 42 percent earn below the national minimum wage, and 47 percent are not registered with NASSIT. He further noted that many media institutions fail to make the required statutory contributions on behalf of their employees.
He emphasized that strong and active trade unions remain the most effective mechanism for addressing these challenges. “Strong unions are the only way to bring about change for journalists. Better pay, improved safety, decent working conditions, and dignity at work are achieved through collective action,” he stated.
Jeremy stressed that no journalist should be required to work without a formal contract, fair wages, sick leave, maternity protection, or pension contributions.
Dear further called on journalists to recognize the value of their work and organize collectively to demand greater accountability from media owners, regulatory bodies, and government institutions. “There can be no media freedom where journalists exist in conditions of fear, corruption, or poverty,” he said.
He assured participants that the IFJ would continue supporting journalists in Sierra Leone through advocacy, legal engagement, and collaboration with institutions such as the Ministry of Labour, the Independent Media Commission (IMC), and the Sierra Leone Labour Congress.
The second session featured presentations and remarks from the President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), Alhaji Manika Kamara, and IFJ President Anthony Bellanger.
In his closing remarks, Kamara reaffirmed SLAJ’s commitment to strengthening media freedom and improving journalists’ welfare across Sierra Leone.
He encouraged journalists to maintain professionalism, prioritize their safety, and uphold ethical standards while carrying out their duties. “Protect yourselves while doing your work. Let the news be the story, not you,” Kamara advised.
The workshop concluded with renewed commitments from journalists, media unions, and international partners to intensify advocacy for improved working conditions, stronger welfare protections, fair remuneration, and enhanced press freedom in Sierra Leone.
Participants expressed optimism that continued collaboration among journalists, media organizations, labour institutions, and development partners would contribute to a more secure, professional, and sustainable media landscape in the country.