Ghanaian entrepreneur Dikan initiates the "HerPress" scholarship program, aiming to bolster female journalists in the country
The HerPress Initiative, a dedicated program by the Dikan Center in Ghana, is set to empower, train, and support 20 women journalists from across Ghana and Africa, as part of a 3-month program running from June to August. The initiative has received support from the Australian High Commission in Ghana.
The HerPress Initiative aims to amplify women’s voices in journalism, strengthen press freedom, and foster a real community of practice among women media professionals. The program is designed to address challenges faced by women journalists, including underrepresentation, unequal pay, gender bias, and workplace harassment.
Key objectives of the initiative include empowerment, community building, and advocacy for press freedom. The comprehensive training offered covers both technical journalism skills and personal development, with workshops on investigative journalism, leadership, safety, and community reporting.
In addition to training, the program provides financial support to participants through stipends, grants, or funding for investigative projects. HerPress also offers legal support, an important resource given the risks and challenges women journalists may encounter in their work.
The initiative also focuses on building a supportive network among women journalists, providing opportunities for mentorship, peer learning, and collaboration. In cases of attacks or harassment against women journalists, HerPress pledges active support and advocacy, reinforcing its commitment to safeguarding participants.
The HerPress Initiative is specifically designed for early to mid-career women journalists committed to impactful storytelling and career growth. The deadline to apply for the program is the 7th of June, 2025. Successful applicants will also receive one-on-one mentorship as part of the program.
The media campaign will support the journalism projects produced by the fellows, ensuring their work reaches a wider audience and makes a meaningful impact in the media landscape. With the backing of the Australian High Commission, the HerPress Initiative is poised to make a significant difference in the professional lives of its participants and in the broader media environment.
References: [1] HerPress Initiative website. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.herpress.org [2] Australian High Commission Ghana. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.ghana.embassy.gov.au [3] HerPress Initiative press release. (2022, March 1). Retrieved from https://www.herpress.org/press-releases [4] Women in Journalism. (2021, October 1). Retrieved from https://www.womeninjournalism.org
The HerPress Initiative, backed by the Australian High Commission in Ghana, is dedicated to empowering women journalists and fostering a community of practice in health-and-wellness, lifestyle, education-and-self-development, and women's health journalism. As part of the 3-month program, it offers comprehensive training in technical journalism skills, personal development, and advocacy for press freedom, with a focus on empowerment, community building, and support for participants in the form of stipends, grants, legal aid, and mentorship.
