Publishing industry group WAN-Ifra is expanding its Women in News training and mentorship leadership accelerator programme with the launch of the Global Leadership Accelerator.

This will takes the programme’s reach beyond its traditional 18 markets to offer the transformative opportunity to women who are mid-level newsroom managers in emerging, transitional and fragile states.

The programme provides journalists and editors with a global network, personalised coaching to accelerate their careers and skills to lead in a rapidly changing environment.

Applications are open until 30 August for those who qualify.

Since the Leadership Accelerator programme launched in 2015, it has helped the careers of more than 1500 journalists and editors. Designed to elevate women in the media industry, it has consistently delivered results with two thirds of graduates experiencing direct career progression within three months of completion through promotions, lateral moves of their choice and expanded roles within their organisations.

“For years, the WIN Leadership Accelerator has been a beacon of empowerment for women in media,” programme lead and WIN deputy executive director Jane Godia said. “By opening this opportunity to mid-level managers from emerging, transitional and fragile states, we are not only broadening our impact but also ensuring that the next generation of media leaders is diverse, resilient and globally connected.”

The 12-week programme will run from September 26 this year until February 28, 2025. Participants will need to commit one to two hours per week, during which they will engage in seminars and discussion-based tutorials led by industry experts. In addition to group sessions, participants will receive one-on-one coaching designed to help them develop a three-to-five year career roadmap tailored to their individual goals and aspirations.

Applicants must have five to ten years of direct newsroom experience, a strong command of English, and a demonstrated passion for the news media industry.

Godia said they were looking for candidates who were not only skilled and experienced, but also deeply committed to the values of gender equality, diversity, inclusion and press freedom. “These are the leaders who will shape the future of our industry, and we are excited to support their development through this programme,” she said.

Successful applicants will be notified by September 7.