The Chairperson of the Lagos State Chapter of the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Dr Adeola Ekine has stressed the need for mentoring to enhance the careers of young female journalists.
Ekine gave the charge at a one-day workshop titled, “Leading (Media) Ladies” organised by Blessing Oladunjoye, Publisher of BONews, as part of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) Female Reporters Leadership Programme #ReportWomen held in Lagos on Friday, June 16, 2023
The workshop is meant to promote gender equality in the media industry and provide entry-level female journalists with the necessary tools and guidance to emerge as leaders in newsrooms.
According to the NAWOJ Chairperson, the mentoring of female journalists can help break the historical barriers and imbalances that have held back countless talented women in the industry.
“With mentorship, we have the power to empower and uplift more female journalists, allowing them to thrive and leave an indelible mark on the world of journalism”, she said.
While shedding light on the incredible power of mentorship in personal and professional growth, Dr Ekine described mentorship as a relationship where a mentor, who possesses more experience and knowledge, provides guidance, support, and advice to a less experienced mentee or protégé.
“Mentorship is a voluntary and collaborative relationship built on trust, respect, and open communication”, she added.
Ekine emphasised that mentorship is a two-way street, benefiting both mentors and mentees in profound ways.
“Mentees have the privilege of learning from their mentors’ wealth of experiences, acquiring new skills and honing their craft. On the other hand, mentors receive fresh perspectives and insights from their mentees, invigorating their professional growth”, she said, adding that, “this beautiful exchange fosters career guidance, creates valuable networking opportunities, provides emotional support, and encourages personal growth and self-reflection”.
Addressing the challenges faced in finding female mentors in journalism, Dr Ekine acknowledged factors such as lack of representation, imposter syndrome, time constraints, and a lack of recognition and support.
She however encouraged young female journalists to actively seek out mentors who share similar professional interests, values, and goals; who are committed to diversity, inclusion, and gender equality, as they can provide personalised guidance catering to the unique aspirations and challenges faced by women in journalism.
“Women should not only seek mentors but become mentors themselves”, she added.
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