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Women WINning

Joining WAN-IFRA’s Women in News (WIN) Leadership Accelerator program in March last year was a transformative experience at a pivotal moment in my career. At the time, I was shifting from hard-core broadcast journalism to a career in academia, having been newly appointed as the head of External Affairs and Linkages at STI West Negros University in the Philippines and embracing a full-time role as a professor in both undergraduate and graduate programs. Moreover, I continued to be a content creator and columnist for a local daily while facilitating workshops and training sessions in broadcasting, journalism, and media communication—fields I am deeply passionate about.

Initially, I was filled with doubt. Coming off the heels of ABS-CBN’s closure and the painful end of an era in broadcast journalism, I found myself grieving the loss of a career I loved dearly. I wondered if I belonged in the leadership program or was ready to redefine my path surrounded by women who, like me, were navigating an ever-changing media landscape.

As the sessions progressed, however, the program reaffirmed my decision to transition into academia, and it became clear that my journalism background was not something I was leaving behind but rather integrating into my new role.

The program inspired me to channel my media experiences and expertise into teaching, using the knowledge I gained to enrich my student’s understanding of communication and media. My experiences in journalism motivated me to educate and inspire young learners, many of whom will become future communicators, educators, and leaders. This perspective energized me, helping me see how my dual role as an educator and a former full-time journalist could bridge academic learning with real-world insights, equipping my students with the tools and values essential for responsible communication.

Virtual graduation of WAN-IFRA Women in News (WIN) Southeast Asia cohorts on November 6, 2024 with Khin Thandar, Director of Transformation and Collaboration of WAN-IFRA WIN, Jane Godia, Project Manager for WIN Programme in East and Central and Acting Executive Director of the African Gender and Media Initiative (GEM), and Pat Mallari, career and leadership coach.*
Top left, 2022 WIN Editorial Leadership Awards Laureate for Southeast Asia and former Senior Vice President of ABS-CBN Integrated News and Current Affairs Ging Reyes speaking before cohorts of the Women in Leadership Accelerator Programme on “Introduction on Leadership 101” and “Managing Relationships in the Workplace” in April 2024.*

I and seven fellow journalists and editors from the Philippines and our counterparts in Indonesia and other parts of Southeast Asia graduated from the 9-month intensive career and leadership program in October last year. During our virtual graduation ceremony last November, fellow women in the news shared powerful testimonies that reinforced our dedication not only to journalism but also to ethical leadership. Together, we pledged to use our influence to speak and uphold the truth, hold those in power accountable, and combat corruption, abuse, harassment, discrimination, and bias against women. Most significantly, we discovered a strong support network among women who have faced challenges, overcome them, and continue to leverage their leadership roles to empower and inspire others to drive meaningful change. Together, we strive to amplify the voices of the voiceless, challenge systemic inequalities, and foster a culture of accountability and transparency in our communities and beyond. This shared journey has not only strengthened our resolve as journalists but also as advocates for justice, equity, and empowerment.

Through the Women in News Leadership Accelerator Program, I gained a renewed sense of purpose and direction, feeling empowered not only by the shared wisdom of my peers but by the recognition that my journey, with all its shifts and challenges, is part of a much larger tapestry of women leaders who are redefining the future of media and journalism across Southeast Asia.

I am sharing my WIN journey to strongly encourage fellow women and non-binary journalists and editors in the Philippines to join the new batch of cohorts from Southeast Asia this year. The program offers modules on Leadership and Management Training, Digital Transformation, Gender Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (GED) in Content, Preventing and Managing Sexual Harassment in the Media, Digital Safety and Online Harassment Management, and Peer-to-Peer Mentoring. The application deadline is January 31.

https://womeninnews.org/philippines-win-accelerator-application-form-2025/

INSPIRING TRANSFORMATIVE CHANGE

I spent my Friday morning with the Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS), Senior High School Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (Sciematics) of Bacolod City National High School students as a resource speaker for their leadership training seminar. My talk focused on foundational leadership skills, drawing insights from Philippine and World History. I used Dr. Jose Rizal as a prime example of a selfless, courageous, intellectually brilliant, steadfast, and profoundly patriotic leader.

Hearing the students share their knowledge about our national hero, his life, and his works was heartening. I brought them back to the past, testing their understanding of our country’s history while gauging their awareness of global social, political, and environmental issues, including climate change. I also discussed why the United Nations established the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing their relevance to today’s challenges.

Students from the Humanities and Social Sciences, Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Clubs and their club advisers and teachers with the resource speaker after the leadership training at the Teodoro Hall of STI West Negros University in Bacolod Friday, January 10.*
Yasss! addresses the student leaders of Bacolod City National High School, highlighting that genuine leadership servant leadership — one that does not seek applause of social media recognition, as a true leader is selfless.*

I introduced them to Nelson Mandela, the first Black South African president to be democratically elected. Mandela spent 27 years in prison and fought tirelessly against apartheid, the system of racial segregation, ultimately bringing it to an end and leading a peaceful transition to majority rule. His unwavering dedication to peace, equity, and social justice earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993. In recognition of his contributions, the United Nations declared his birthday, July 18, as “Nelson Mandela International Day,” a day devoted to public service in honor of the values he upheld and exemplified.

To emphasize that anyone, regardless of age, can make a meaningful impact on society by championing their advocacies and using their voice to influence those in power to address pressing societal issues such as poverty, climate change, and access to clean water and sanitation, I shared the story of environmental activist Greta Thunberg. Despite living with Asperger’s Syndrome, Greta has become a global icon in the fight against climate change. At just 15 years old, she began her first “School Strike for Climate” outside the Swedish parliament in the summer of 2018. For five years, she skipped school every Friday to protest, and after 251 weeks, she hung up her iconic cardboard sign reading: #FridaysForFuture. Greta’s message snowballed into a global movement, inspiring people in over 7,500 cities to demand urgent climate action.

And then, there is Maria Ressa, the first Filipino to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 2021 for her unwavering efforts to protect freedom of expression. As the CEO of Rappler, Ressa courageously exposed human rights violations, government corruption, and the weaponization of social media through her reporting. She strongly advocates safeguarding freedom of expression, a precondition for democracy and lasting peace.

As young, budding, and aspiring leaders, I told them there is much to learn from the stories of Rizal, Mandela, Thunberg, and Ressa. Their unwavering courage, intellect, passion, and dedication to their causes exemplify the leadership that inspires transformative change. Rizal’s profound patriotism, Mandela’s pursuit of justice, Thunberg’s relentless fight for climate action, and Ressa’s fearless defense of press freedom remind us that leadership transcends boundaries, age, and circumstances. By taking inspiration from their lives, the youth can champion their advocacies, empower their peers, and lead their communities toward a future rooted in equality, sustainability, and hope.*

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