Never stop learning, never stop dreaming
Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Name of job: Program producer, educator,
What type of projects do you do?
Produce and host a weekly radio program and giving training to school students (mini-media members).
Why did this sort work interest you, and how did you get started?
Journalism is the only profession that I wished to join and be involved with since I can remember. For the last 15 years, I have been doing work in all sorts of media outlets, photojournalism, reporting, radio program producing, and magazine publishing. I have written several articles about women and girls’ rights in local newspapers in collaboration with EMWA – Ethiopian Media Women’s Association.
What part of this job do you personally find most satisfying? Most challenging?
I am always satisfied when my interviewee starts to relax and pour their hearts out, telling their story, trusting us to get it out. In contrast, what I have found the be challenging is keeping up with the audience needs because it’s so vast and different.
What do you like and not like about working in this industry?
I really like to tell a story, to talk about new things and inform people about their surroundings and beyond.
My strongest assets/skills, areas of knowledge, personality traits and values are….
I easily adapt and can work with new technologies, I am very patient when I do a program or collect information for an article. I respect the profession so much, so I always try to be ethical, respectful and careful not to affect other’s rights during interviews.
Has IAWRT’s network of media women around the world helped or inspired you?
Since I joined the Association in 2007, every meeting, workshop and seminar was very important and inspirational. Mostly meeting and knowing the most experienced women in the industry from all over the world helps me to realize and know there are so many things which can be done in a variety of ways.
What are your long-term goals?
To have my own show that can encourage, motivate and inspire children, mothers and parents.
What special advice do you have for young women seeking to qualify for this type of work?
Commit to the profession, love what you do, keep updating yourself with new technologies and information, never stop learning, never stop dreaming.
Do you have any special words of warning, or encouragement, because of your experience?
Go out and test your ability, don’t be scared, don’t be afraid of failure because it teaches you so many things.
