In a public statement released on Tuesday, Yeanor Esther Kabia, the President of the Sierra Leone Reporters Union (SLRU), commemorated the 20th anniversary of the organization's founding on September 17, 2004. The Union was established by a group of senior colleagues, including Brima Dawson Kuyateh, Edward Marrah, and Harry Yansaneh, with a vision to advocate for the welfare of practicing reporters across Sierra Leone.
Reflecting on the two-decade journey of the SLRU, President Kabia highlighted the challenges faced in achieving the initial vision. Under the theme "20 Years of Reporters' Dedication: Celebrating the Pillars of Journalism," she emphasized the crucial role reporters play in the field of journalism, despite often being undervalued and underpaid in newsrooms and society at large.
President Kabia's public statement underscored the dedication and sacrifices made by reporters, who work tirelessly to keep society informed, often in challenging and sometimes dangerous conditions. She acknowledged the discrepancies in recognition, remuneration, and support for reporters, emphasizing the need for improved welfare and working conditions within the media industry.
As the first female President of the SLRU, Yeanor Esther Kabia outlined her commitment to prioritizing reporters' welfare and advocating for their rights. Central to her "Rebranding Sierra Leone Reporters Union Manifesto" is the goal of ensuring that reporters' contributions are valued and appreciated by institutions and society as a whole.
President Kabia affirmed her unwavering determination to collaborate with stakeholders and agencies to address welfare issues, enhance working conditions, and advocate for fair treatment and compensation for reporters. She expressed gratitude and admiration for reporters' resilience, urging them to continue their dedicated work in the face of challenges, with the promise that their efforts will eventually be recognized and rewarded.
Going forward, the SLRU, under President Kabia's leadership, aims to engage media owners and station managers to advocate for improved salaries, especially for reporters who have volunteered for extended periods. Additionally, efforts will be made to ensure comprehensive access to National Social Security and Insurance Trust (NASSIT) benefits for reporters and establish robust safety protocols in coordination with relevant authorities to protect reporters from threats, harassment, and violence.
As the Sierra Leone Reporters Union celebrates its 20th anniversary milestone, the focus remains on championing the welfare and rights of reporters, acknowledging their vital role in upholding journalistic integrity and serving the public interest. President Yeanor Esther Kabia's advocacy for improved conditions and recognition for reporters reflects a commitment to fostering a supportive and empowered environment for media professionals in Sierra Leone.
