Pioneering Women Media Mentor Programme Launches

© fray media foundation founding director Paula Fray

The fraymedia Foundation celebrated the launch of its innovative Women Media Mentor Programme on Tuesday, December 18, 2023, with an online gathering that brought together around 35 mentors and mentees from across the African continent.

The programme aims to strengthen the presence of women in media leadership and entrepreneurship.

In her welcoming address, Paula Fray, one of the three founding directors, emphasised the personalised approach to pairing mentors with mentees: "We've manually paired individuals based on their skills and needs," Fray shared. "While an AI might do this faster, our method ensures a deep understanding of each participant."

The event featured several distinguished speakers, including Marie Rosholt, an executive coach with extensive broadcast experience. Rosholt highlighted the importance of mentorship, stating, "It's about sharing knowledge and empowering each other, a two-way street beneficial to both parties."

Marie Rosholt

Caroline Phiri-Lubwika from the Woman in News Program also shared insights from their successful mentorship initiatives. "Mentorship is a brain to pick, an ear to listen, and a push in the right direction," she said, quoting John C. Crosby to emphasising the importance of mutual growth and understanding in these relationships.

Caroline Phiri-Lubwika

Another speaker, Egyptian coach Fatma Kheir, underscored the distinction between coaching and mentoring. "Mentoring involves sharing specific experiences and advice, whereas coaching is more about guiding to self-discovery," Kheir explained.

Fatma Kheir

Mentor Paddi Clay emphasised the importance of confidence building in the mentoring process. She said: "I do think mentoring should give you the wherewithal to be able to make the most of coaching. It's very much about building confidence. Helping people realise that they can do something is one of the most important things."

Fray also outlined the structure of the program, which includes regular one-on-one sessions, fortnightly newsletters for mentors and mentees, and multiple resources for capacity building. "We've got 64 mentees and 48 mentors, ensuring a rich pool of expertise and experience," she stated.

The programme is not just about skill development but also about building a robust network of support. "We want to create a community where women in media can thrive and lead," Fray added.

Lynnette Johns, one of the mentors, shared her enthusiasm for the initiative. "I'm here to guide and support my mentee in every way possible. This programme is an opportunity for substantial growth, both for the mentors and the mentees."