On August 7, 2020, WAN-IFRA’s Women in News (WIN) Leadership Accelerator program officially started in Vietnam. The 2-month career training course (August to September 2020) for female journalists and editors will include discussions on career development, media management and gender equality. . As COVID-19 is changing the way newsrooms operate, the program will help female journalists acquire new skills and build their capacities for more successful careers.
The Vietnam launch follows a successful launch in Myanmar earlier this year and builds on the Leadership Accelerator model that has been successfully held in 13 countries across Africa and the Arab Region. This is WIN’s leading leadership development program sponsored by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency.
Since its first launch 10 years ago, more than 600 female journalists and editors have benefited from the show. Program participants will receive:
- Certified Communication Management Training
- Professional skills training
- Training on gender equality and sexual harassment
- Train 1-1 to create a 3-year career path
- Support group counseling with peers
“Despite the challenges arising from the pandemic, we are delighted to have been able to bring the Leadership Accelerator to Southeast Asia, starting in Myanmar and now in Vietnam. Newspapers were under pressure even before the COVID-19 pandemic attack and are now rethinking their business model and operations. This program will equip some of Vietnam’s top female journalists so they can be among those who will lead this change in their own organizations, and ultimately build a joint venture. business is stronger and more representative, ”said Melanie Walker, Managing Director, Women News & Communication Development. WAN-IFRA.
Often held in person, this year’s training has turned completely online due to concerns about the spread of COVID-19. Similar training courses will be held in other countries in the region throughout 2020.
“One of the key benefits of the Leadership Accelerator program is the 1: 1 training we provide. Our coaches provide guidance on career opportunities and decisions. But perhaps more importantly, they can also provide advice and support to participants who are struggling to find balance, especially in these turbulent times. We know that women suffer a lot from COVID-19 and that for many working women family responsibilities have a definite impact on their employment and mental health. The program and the relationships participants build with their coaches hope to provide the necessary support systems for female journalists, ”said Jen Teo, Director, Women in the East Region. South Asia, said.
Journalists are taking part in training courses to work at 9 media and press agencies in Vietnam. The training is provided by a group of locally qualified trainers and people with expertise in areas including: media management, media law, human resources, data analysis, balance gender in news content, dealing with sexual harassment in newsrooms, financial management and management and leadership.
Source: WAN-IFRA
