When women journalists come together with a shared purpose—to sharpen their skills, challenge injustice, and amplify their voices—the atmosphere changes. Something powerful occurs. This is exactly what unfolded during the first week of HerPress, an initiative by Dikan Center designed to equip early- to mid-career women journalists in Ghana with the tools, confidence, and community to not just survive in the media industry, but to transform it.
HerPress launched with a clear objective: to strengthen Ghana’s media landscape by providing women journalists with essential skills, confidence, and networks needed for leadership. Within its very first week, the program began fulfilling this promise. Participants reported greater clarity about their career paths, renewed confidence to tackle complex stories, and a growing sense of community reflecting Dikan Center’s mission to create inclusive, transformative spaces.
HerPress is more than just sharing knowledge—it nurtures personal growth. Several attendees spoke of overcoming self-doubt. Theresa Adiali found renewed purpose in investigative journalism, stating, "I want to tell stories that sting, that heal, that question power without fear. HerPress doesn’t hand you a script; it challenges you to write your own."
Participants also described moving from fear of change to embracing it. Dorcas Davies, who previously feared change, shared that she now feels empowered by the fellowship to welcome new experiences enthusiastically. Such transformations are critical as they build the adaptability and resilience essential for impactful journalism.
Mentorship has been another key element of HerPress. Connecting fellows with experienced professionals creates opportunities for sustained growth beyond the three-month program. As these women build their portfolios through diligent research and ethical storytelling, their strengthened voices begin reshaping public conversations. This aligns perfectly with Dikan’s vision to nurture media leaders who drive meaningful change rather than simply reporting on it.
Perhaps the most powerful outcome is the solidarity forming among participants. When women collaborate, share insights, discuss challenges, and celebrate successes, they create a supportive network lasting far beyond any single workshop. This collective strength embodies Dikan Center’s belief that lasting transformation in journalism thrives within a strong community.
As HerPress moves forward, the initial momentum signals something significant: a growing group of women journalists ready to hold power accountable, uncover hidden truths, and share Ghana’s most pressing stories. Through their work, they are bringing Dikan’s mission to life—one story at a time, headline by headline.
HerPress Faculty:
· Ewurama Bennin – Leadership, Ethics, and Leading Self
· David Agbenu – Writing Skills and Editing
· Francisca Enchill – Investigative Journalism
