UBA Sierra Leone’s Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, Sallieu Sesay, was in attendance at the opening ceremony of Women in the Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL) Annual General Meeting in Makeni at Unimak Auditorium on 21st & 22nd February 2025.
Speaking on the Theme “The Role of Women in the Media and Gender Equality,” Sallieu reiterated UBA’s commitment to empowering women in the media, and spoke on the role of women in media and UBA’s dedication to fostering gender equality in the industry.
He also introduced the bank’s Working Capital Loan options as a financial solution for media professionals.
Speaking on behalf of UBA, Sallieu emphasized the transformative potential of women in the media, noting that their increased representation and leadership would drive social change and inspire future generations. He stated, “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 needed to ensure that women have access to the necessary resources, training, and leadership roles within the media industry.”
Addressing challenges faced by female journalists in Sierra Leone, he outlined key concerns, including limited access to education and training, under-representation 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,” Sallieu noted.
He also introduced UBA’s financial products, such as the Short-Term Loan (STL) and Temporary Overdraft (OD) as part of the bank’s efforts to support women in the media industry. Such financial solutions, he explained, are designed to help professionals access working capital and expand career opportunities.
With UBA’s continued support, women in Sierra Leone’s media landscape stand to gain more financial independence and professional growth, ensuring their voices remain strong in shaping public discourse and policy.
