With Online Harassment & Intimidation… Calls For Stronger Protection For Female Journalists Grow

By Abdul Rahman Bah

Women in the Media Sierra Leone (WIMSAL) has strongly condemned recent online attacks, harassment and smear campaigns targeting two female journalists, Mabel Kabba and Kadija Bangura, co-owners of Liberty Online TV, describing the incidents as a threat to press freedom, freedom of expression and the safety of women in journalism.

In a press release dated November 8, 2026, WIMSAL expressed deep concern over what it described as increasing online attacks directed at the two media practitioners, warning that such conduct could undermine their professional credibility, dignity and ability to carry out their journalistic responsibilities independently.

The organisation noted that attacks against women journalists should not be treated as ordinary disagreements on social media, particularly when they involve intimidation, personal harassment and deliberate attempts to damage professional reputations.

According to WIMSAL, the growing use of digital platforms to target media practitioners raises serious concerns about the safety of journalists and the broader media environment in Sierra Leone.

The organisation emphasised that an attack on women journalists is also an attack on press freedom and the fundamental principles of an independent media. It maintained that no journalist should be subjected to intimidation, harassment or threats simply for performing professional duties.

WIMSAL further stated that Mabel Kabba and Kadija Bangura have demonstrated professionalism and commitment to journalism over the years, adding that their contributions as media practitioners deserve respect and protection.

While acknowledging that journalists and media institutions are subject to public scrutiny and criticism, the organisation stressed that such engagement must remain respectful and responsible. It argued that disagreements over journalistic reporting, editorial decisions or media content should never be used as justification for personal attacks, harassment or coordinated efforts to silence female journalists.

The statement also called on relevant authorities, law enforcement agencies and media regulatory bodies to take necessary measures to ensure the safety and protection of the two journalists and other media practitioners across the country.

WIMSAL specifically urged social media users, bloggers and members of the public to exercise responsibility in their online engagements and refrain from using digital platforms to harass, intimidate or threaten journalists.

The organisation reaffirmed its solidarity with Kabba and Bangura, pledging to continue advocating for a safe, inclusive and enabling media environment in which women journalists can work freely, independently and without fear.

The concerns raised by WIMSAL also bring renewed attention to the challenges women face in the media industry, particularly in an increasingly digital environment where professional disagreements can escalate into personal attacks and online abuse.

For women journalists, such hostility can create an atmosphere of fear, discourage participation in public discourse, and potentially affect their willingness to report on sensitive issues.

The protection of journalists is therefore not solely the responsibility of media organisations. Law enforcement institutions, regulators, media associations, civil society groups and technology platforms all have important roles in promoting responsible online engagement and protecting freedom of expression.

As Sierra Leone continues to strengthen its democratic institutions and media freedom, the safety of female journalists must remain an important part of the national conversation.

WIMSAL’s message is clear: women journalists must not be silenced, intimidated or pushed out of the media space. Their voices matter, their work matters, and their safety matters.