At Initiatives for Media Development (IMdev), we are dedicated to pioneering ethical journalism and fostering a resilient and independent media sector in Sierra Leone. Since our establishment in 2014, we have been strategically positioned at the forefront of media development, steadfastly committed to promoting human rights, gender issues, and excellence in reporting.
Our overarching vision revolves around creating a media landscape prioritising human rights reporting. Through meticulously crafted five- and ten-year interventions, we aim to leave a lasting impact by nurturing a cadre of journalists devoted to highlighting human and women's rights. A key aspect of our strategy involves training trainers and ensuring the continuity and sustainability of our impactful initiatives.
Operating in Sierra Leone since our inception, IMdev has deeply embedded itself in local communities through strategic partnerships. Our media collaborations reach an impressive 3.1 million Sierra Leoneans weekly, representing half the country's population. Our operational footprint covers all 16 districts of Sierra Leone, and our commitment to professionalism, free from political affiliations, sets us apart in our pursuit of media development.
Capacity building lies at the heart of IMdev's mission. We believe in empowering journalists and media professionals with the skills, knowledge, and resources they need to excel in their roles. Through comprehensive training programs, workshops, and mentorship initiatives, we equip individuals with the tools to produce high-quality journalism that upholds ethical standards and promotes human rights.
IMdev conducts rigorous research to understand and address pressing issues affecting Sierra Leone's media landscape and development programs. Our findings inform evidence-based interventions and policy recommendations, ensuring impactful outcomes.
We advocate for media freedom, human rights, and gender equality through strategic partnerships and engagement with key stakeholders. IMdev amplifies the voices of marginalized communities and champions policy reforms to create an enabling environment for independent journalism and sustainable development.
IMdev enhances the visibility of critical issues through multimedia campaigns, strategic communications, and partnerships with local and international media organizations. Our efforts raise awareness, spark dialogue, and drive social change on issues ranging from health accountability to gender-based violence.
At IMdev, we recognize that fostering a culture of accountability within local media outlets is paramount to ensuring that the voices of the voiceless are heard and their rights protected.
In partnership with WACC, we conducted the world’s most extensive research on gender in the news media, monitoring women's presence in national news across different platforms.
Listener groups play a crucial role in monitoring radio programs, ensuring content meets community needs and holding stations accountable.
In collaboration with NAYCOM and UNDP, IMdev empowered young Sierra Leoneans through a four-month initiative to highlight youth-led initiatives and employment opportunities.
With funds from USAID - US Agency for International Development, we have been working with the media and other non-state actors - 30 community radio stations across the country, 152 local journalists, and 30 listener groups - to promote governance and accountability around the Free Health Care initiative.
Journalists and bloggers from Sierra Leone participated in a green journalism training focused on tackling environmental degradation and climate change. This initiative equipped them with the skills to report on these critical issues more effectively.
Measuring our impact is integral to our commitment to transparency and accountability. Our success indicators provide a comprehensive overview of the outcomes and milestones that guide our assessment of progress towards our mission. Explore the key metrics that enable us to evaluate the effectiveness of our initiatives and the positive change we strive to bring about:
Developing long-term strategies to create financially sustainable business models for media organizations.
Establishing a network of journalists to provide support and resources for those reporting on human rights issues.
Developing a group of local trainers to ensure ongoing mentorship and support for aspiring journalists.
Collaborating with universities to develop curricula that prepare future journalists to report on human rights and governance.
