An intern with Media Career Development Network(MCDN), Alimot Akinsanya shares her learning experience at the 5th Fellowship Induction and Award of the Report Women Female Reporters Leadership Programme.
I recently had the privilege of attending the 5th edition of the Report Women Female Reporters Leadership Programme Fellowship Induction and Award event, organised by the Wole Soyinka Centre (WSCIJ), courtesy of my internship at Media Career Development Network (MCDN) and I must say it was an awe-inspiring experience.
The event not only showcased the beauty of journalism but also opened my eyes to the incredible work we can put out with commitment and dedication.
From the moment I was seeing the social media posts regarding their stories and leadership projects and also when we stepped inside the venue, it was evident that the fellowship was something truly remarkable.
The highlight of the event was the induction of the 12 new fellows into the programme. These dedicated women had invested six months of their lives into honing their craft, working tirelessly on their story projects and leadership initiatives. When they took the stage to share their experiences and showcase their achievements, one could see the hard work and determination they had put into it.
But for me, it wasn’t just about the hard work and determination — what about the struggles? What about the challenges?
It was truly inspiring to see how they had transformed their ideas into impactful initiatives. From investigating underreported stories to championing pressing social issues, their dedication to journalism and leadership was nothing short of remarkable. The projects they presented were proof of their unwavering commitment to making a difference through their reporting.
When they were called out to present their leadership projects and the stories they worked on, I paid close attention. I was glad they didn’t see it as another presentation. They shared the challenges they faced and the impacts of their projects.
From their experiences, I picked my lessons.
Opportunities are abundant, even if it feels like you have been tirelessly applying without success. It was evident that persistence is key and it does pay off. Blessing Oladunjoye, Publisher of BONews Service had applied thrice, but she got accepted on her fourth trial. And you know the beautiful thing about it — she was announced the winner. Even when faced with countless rejections, it is essential to remember that one breakthrough can change everything. No matter how many doors seem to close, persistence prevails, and new doors will open when the time is right.
Amidst the struggles and obstacles, the fellows reiterated the importance of resilience. The first runner-up, Sarah Ayeku of TVC, during her presentation, recalled how she got tired of journalism somehow and wanted to resign from her workplace before applying for the fellowship. Her position reiterated the fact that giving up should never be an option; instead, we must continue to push ourselves to reach our goals. The struggles we face should never be reasons to give up; they should fuel our determination to press forward.
Another key takeaway from the event was the importance of mentorship. During her presentation, Folashade Ogunrinde of TV 360 Nigeria said:
“There is a difference between being led and being guided” and in one way or the other — we can all relate to that. The fellows’ success stories highlighted the value of having mentors who can provide guidance and open doors to a brighter future. Therefore, It is crucial to invest in mentors who can provide invaluable insights, steer you in the right direction, help you navigate the challenges of your journey and connect you with a broader network. Karina Igonikon of BBC News also mentioned how glad she was when her mentor showed up to her leadership project. It reiterates the fact that your mentors will guide you and help you out in your journey.
Furthermore, the event emphasized the significance of a consistent online presence. In an era where social media amplifies our voices and where people are always watching, consistently sharing our experiences matters. Regardless of likes, engagement, or comments, maintaining a consistent online presence can lead to unexpected opportunities. It’s a reminder that putting ourselves out there with quality content can yield remarkable results.
The event also underscored the untold stories waiting to be discovered. As journalists, we have a responsibility to dig deeper, conduct thorough research, and bring hidden stories and narratives to light. People are facing challenges that often go unnoticed, and we hold the responsibility to amplify their voices, creating a platform for their stories to be heard.
The “Report Women Female Reporters Leadership Program 5th Fellowship Induction and Award” event was a source of inspiration and a reminder of the endless possibilities in journalism and also a powerful testament to the potential within each of us. It has taught me to persevere, seek guidance, harness the power of online presence, and uncover untold stories. WSCIJ has once again succeeded in creating an event that is not just a celebration of journalism but a catalyst for change. It was beautiful, encouraging, and a poignant reminder that when women are empowered and given the opportunity, they can indeed change the world, one story at a time.
