Vigil Held for Nigerian Content Moderator Amid Concerns Over Work Conditions
Kenyan technology workers held a vigil for Ladi Anzaki Olubunmi, a TikTok content moderator found dead under unclear circumstances. Her death raised concerns about the poor working conditions faced by content moderators in Kenya, with colleagues questioning the impact of these conditions on her health. Teleperformance denied allegations about her leave, while Olubunmi’s family struggles with funeral arrangements due to financial limitations.
On a recent Tuesday, technology workers in Nairobi, Kenya, gathered to hold a vigil in memory of their colleague, Ladi Anzaki Olubunmi, a TikTok content moderator who passed away under unclear circumstances. Olubunmi’s body was discovered in her home after being unresponsive for three days. Colleagues remarked on her yearning to return to Nigeria, expressing that she had shown signs of fatigue prior to her death.
The circumstances surrounding Olubunmi’s death remain unknown; however, Teleperformance Kenya, her employer, dismissed claims of her being denied leave as “baseless and untrue”. Colleagues condemned the company’s lack of response when approached for comments regarding her situation. Reports have indicated that content moderators in Kenya frequently face substandard work conditions, including inadequate mental health support, long hours, and intimidation practices.
The plight of content moderators in Kenya has gained attention as over 100 former Facebook content moderators filed lawsuits against the company due to poor pay and harsh working conditions. During the vigil, many workers voiced concern that inadequate working environments may have played a role in Olubunmi’s demise. A friend ofOlubunmi, Kauna Malgwi, stated that numerous Nigerian employees at Teleperformance have not received work permits, preventing them from traveling home despite their annual travel benefits.
Following the discovery of her body, Olubunmi’s family was notified a day later by Teleperformance via an email to her brother. He was provided with contact information for local authorities regarding investigations and funeral arrangements. Due to financial constraints, the family is contemplating having her church in Nairobi oversee her burial.
The death of Ladi Anzaki Olubunmi has highlighted significant concerns regarding the treatment of content moderators employed in Kenya. The incident sheds light on the troubling working conditions faced by many in this sector, prompting a call for better support and policies to ensure employee well-being. The lack of communication from Teleperformance further emphasizes the need for accountability in practices surrounding employee health and safety.
Original Source: www.ksat.com
