By Davida Spaine Solomon
FREETOWN, 14th December 2025
Thirteen Sierra Leonean women journalists have made history as the first cohort to graduate from the Women in News (WIN) Leadership Accelerator fellowship, marking a major step forward for women’s leadership and media development in the country.
The nine-month programme, launched in May this year, brought together 15 women journalists from across Sierra Leone for an intensive journey of learning and self-discovery. This is the first time the WIN Accelerator has been implemented in West Africa, delivered in partnership with BBC Media Action Sierra Leone and funded by the European Union.
A Beginning Rooted in Purpose
The programme opened with words of encouragement from Diana Njeru, Senior Programme Manager at BBC Media Action Sierra Leone. She urged participants to embrace the experience as a moment to “grow as leaders in their newsrooms.”
WIN Deputy Executive Director and Accelerator Lead, Jane Godia, also welcomed the cohort, outlining the fellowship’s global impact since its launch in 2010. She highlighted that the Accelerator has supported hundreds of women with leadership skills, strategic guidance, and the confidence needed to navigate increasingly complex media environments.
Guided throughout by Lead Coach Tamala Chirwa, participants explored topics ranging from self-discovery and emotional intelligence to personal leadership and workplace relationships areas many described as eye opening, practical and deeply transformative.
A Journey of Growth and Resilience
For many of the journalists, the fellowship became more than professional training. It grew into a space of reflection, vulnerability, and renewed purpose.
Participants spoke openly about the resilience they built during the demanding months, the clarity they gained about their leadership style, and the confidence they rediscovered in themselves.
Resident Coach Kadija Bangura praised the determination shown by the group.
“Congratulations to every one of you who made it this far. I’m proud of our resilience and commitment,” she said, capturing the bond that developed among the women.
A Landmark Graduation in Freetown
The graduation ceremony, held Tuesday in Freetown, was filled with emotion and pride as the 13 graduates walked up to receive their certificates symbols not just of completion, but of breaking new ground for Sierra Leonean women in media.
Several participants reflected on what the experience meant to them. Some celebrated finding their voices in male-dominated spaces, while others emphasized the sisterhood, mentorship, and support that carried them through the programme.
One graduate put it simply: “We have won through WIN, and this is only the beginning.”
WIN directors Melanie Walker, Jane Godia and Lead Coach Tamala Chirwa encouraged the cohort to remain connected to the WIN community, reminding them that leadership is sustained through mentorship, collaboration, and continuous learning.
“A Way of Success and Hope” A Graduate’s Perspective
One of the graduates, Rise Radio journalist Patricia Kabia, said the programme has transformed the way she sees herself and her work.
“I learnt so much during my WIN leadership journey. It has given me confidence and helped me express myself, no matter the situation,” she said.
“I participate fully now in my job and in making personal decisions. My work feels easier because I understand myself better. Graduating today means a lot to me. It is a way of success and hope.”
A Step Forward for Sierra Leone’s Media Landscape
As the women return to their various newsrooms from local radio stations to national newspapers they do so with stronger voices, sharpened skills, and a deeper appreciation for ethical, inclusive leadership.
Their achievement marks a significant milestone for Sierra Leone’s media landscape, and with this inaugural cohort now graduated, the country officially joins the global network of WIN Accelerator alumni a growing community committed to shaping a more accountable, equitable, and representative media sector.
