UBA Promotes Gender Equality in Sierra Leone’s Media Industry
UBA Sierra Leone’s Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, Sallieu Sesay, attended the opening ceremony of the Women in the Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL) Annual General Meeting, held on February 21st and 22nd, 2025, at the Unimak Auditorium in Makeni.
Speaking on the theme “The Role of Women in the Media and Gender Equality,” Sallieu reaffirmed UBA’s commitment to empowering women in the media and fostering gender equality within the industry. He emphasized the transformative impact of increased female representation and leadership in media, highlighting its role in driving social change and inspiring future generations.
“The future of women in media in Sierra Leone intersects with broader societal shifts toward gender equality. While progress is being made, continued efforts are necessary to ensure women have access to essential resources, training, and leadership roles in the industry,” he stated.
Addressing challenges faced by female journalists in Sierra Leone, Sallieu highlighted key issues such as limited access to education and training, underrepresentation in top editorial and decision-making roles, and workplace discrimination. “Although women are active in journalism and reporting, leadership positions remain largely dominated by men. Additionally, female journalists are often relegated to covering gender stories, fashion, and lifestyle rather than hard news or investigative reporting,” he noted.
In line with UBA’s dedication to supporting media professionals, he introduced the bank’s Working Capital Loan options, alongside financial products such as the Short-Term Loan (STL) and Temporary Overdraft (OD). These solutions, he explained, are designed to help women in media access working capital, expand their career opportunities, and achieve financial independence.
With UBA’s continued support, women in Sierra Leone’s media industry are poised to gain greater professional growth, ensuring their voices remain strong in shaping public discourse and policy.
