We inspire, Support And Empower
African Women in Media started as a Facebook group in July 2016 with the aim to positively impact the way media functions in relation to African women. Our members are African women from a diverse range of media backgrounds. AWiM held its first convening event in July 2017 in Birmingham, UK, and continues to organise its annual conference which tours African countries. AWiM transitioned to an international non-governmental organisation in 2019 and collaborates with a variety of partners to achieve its vision.
One day, African women will have equal access to representation and opportunities in media industries and media content.
African Women in the Media (AWiM) aims to contribute to the creation of enabling environments for African women who work in media industries, and to change the way African women are represented in media content. It does this through research, advocacy and partnerships that impact positively the way media functions in relation to African women. Through AWiM events we create opportunities for knowledge exchange, building networks, and economic empowerment of women in media.
Here’s the most talented team
C.E.O & Co-founder
Dr Yemisi Akinbobola is an award-winning journalist, academic, consultant and co-founder of African Women in Media (AWiM).
Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer
Bamidele is a gender and development expert with more than 10 years of experience leading capacity building
Programmes Officer
Irene Odera is a passionate project management professional, leader, evaluator, strategist, student, and traveller. She has close
Communications Assistant
Blessing Udeobasi holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communication from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Community Engagement officer
Joy Anwulika Adigwe has a Bachelors degree in Mass Communication from Babcock University. She is a freelance
Accounting Officer
Bukola is an experienced accountant with more than three years of dedicated work as a finance officer. She holds
C.E.O & Co-founder
Dr Yemisi Akinbobola is an award-winning journalist, academic, consultant and co-founder of African Women in Media (AWiM).
Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer
Bamidele is a gender and development expert with more than 10 years of experience leading capacity building
Programmes Officer
Irene Odera is a passionate project management professional, leader, evaluator, strategist, student, and traveller. She has close
Community Engagement officer
Joy Anwulika Adigwe has a Bachelors degree in Mass Communication from Babcock University. She is a freelance
Communications and Branding Officer
Sam is a Communication Strategist with over 10 years’ experience, he has worked with both local and
Accounting Officer
Bukola is an experienced accountant with more than three years of dedicated work as a finance officer. She holds
We cordially invite you to join us and together let’s shape the future of African Women in Media.
Here are our board members
Member
Oluyinka Esan maintains an interest in the social relevance of Nigerian media and film messages. She brings non-
Member
Yasmine Bilkis Ibrahim is a Creative Entrepreneur and Storyteller and believes in being an agent of change by
Member
Ms Phathiswa Magopeni has over two decades of strategic, operational, and editorial leadership experience in the media
Member
Toki Mabogunje is a certified business development consultant interested in the growth of enterprises on the African continent.
Member
Nozha Ben Mohamed, Journalist, Regional Project Manager with (JHR) Journalists for Human Rights, women activist, cofounder of the first community radio in Tunisia
Member
Alfred Akerele has over a decade of experience in the non-profit sector, holding significant roles with local, national, and global humanitarian
Member
Fanny Nana Ampon has over 15 years’ experience in Journalism/Storytelling and Development Communication to enhance visibility for organizations.
Member
Hewete was at the BBC in 2008 as a journalism trainee and has spent most of her career in the BBC World Service. She’s produced for BBC Africa both from London
Member
Gail Jammy is a highly experienced senior executive, business development leader and digital media strategist.
Member
Francesca Phiri-Banda is an award-winning journalist and communications professional with 20 years of experience in broadcast journalism.
Member
Lebogang is a dedicated finance professional passionate about driving investment growth and economic development in Africa. She currently serves
African Women in Media (AWiM) aims to contribute to the creation of enabling environments for African women who work in media industries, and to change the way African women are represented in media content.
C.E.O & Co-founder, AWiM
Dr Yemisi Akinbobola is an award-winning journalist, academic, consultant and co-founder of African Women in Media (AWiM). AWiM’s vision is that one-day African women will have equal access to representation in media. Joint winner of the CNN African Journalist Award 2016 (Sports Reporting), Yemisi ran her news website IQ4News between 2010-14.
Yemisi holds a PhD in Media and Cultural Studies from Birmingham City University, where she is a Senior Lecturer. She has published scholarly research on women’s rights, African feminism, and journalism and digital public spheres. She was Editorial Consultant for the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 commemorative book titled “She Stands for Peace: 20 Years, 20 Journeys”, and currently hosts the book’s podcast.
She speaks regularly on issues relating to gender and media. In 2021 she was recognized as one of 100 Most Influential African Women.
Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer
Programmes Officer
Irene Odera is a passionate project management professional, leader, evaluator, strategist, student, and traveller. She has close to 10 years’ experience working in implementation, research, and managing multi-faceted women-centered development programs for international non-governmental organisations. Her vision is a world of equal opportunity where every girl and woman, no matter where they are or what they do, can be the best version of themselves. Working with AWIM is yet another step towards this vision.
Communications Assistant
Blessing Udeobasi holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communication from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. She has over five years of journalistic experience covering gender, education, climate change and accountability issues among others.
She was selected by the British Council alongside four other student journalists to represent Nigeria at the 2020 Future News Worldwide conference. She has also participated in several capacity training and fellowships including the African Women in Media’s Graduate Trainee Program (2022), CJID’s Climate Change Reporting Workshop (2023) and BudgIT’s GovSpend Fellowship (2023).
Community Engagement officer
Joy Anwulika Adigwe has a Bachelors degree in Mass Communication from Babcock University. She has a Masters degree in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan. Joy is an avid reader, a dreamer, a freelance writer, a researcher and a member of the first Co-hort of She Creates Change Nigeria, 2021. One of her many life’s dreams is to change her society for better as much as she can, which is part of her role with AWiM.
Accounting Officer
Board Member
Yasmine Bilkis Ibrahim is a Creative Entrepreneur and Storyteller and believes in being an agent of change by building communities both offline and online via responsible digital storytelling to contribute to sustainable gender transformative change. In 2021, Yasmine was awarded as one of the 60 Most Influential African Women in Media by Ladies in Media. Yasmine runs her digital business called Mina Bilkis that offers storytelling, events and communication services to individuals, brands and institutions.
As a problem solver, in response to the 2014-2016 Ebola epidemic and the 14,000 adolescent girls who became pregnant during the 9 month closure of schools, in 2016 Yasmine founded the community based organization Girl Up Vine Club Sierra Leone (Girl Up) that operated as a safe space for adolescent girls by promoting the health, safety, leadership and education of adolescent girls through community outreach, advocacy and trainings. With an impact goal to reach 200 girls through multiple cohorts and 1000 youth (boys and girls) through trainings and workshops, Girl Up Vine Club Sierra Leone achieved its goal on June 30 2022 and closed down its programming. For her contribution to advancing girls empowerment in Sierra Leone, Yasmine was the recipient of the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust (QCT) Scholarship in 2019.
Yasmine is passionate about Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), digital rights, feminism, African storytelling. She loves all things digital and she is also a content creator.
Yasmine holds a Division I Bachelor’s degree in French from Fourah Bay College (FBC) – University of Sierra Leone (USL) and a certificate in Global Health from the College of Medical Allied and Health Sciences (COMAHS) – USL. Yasmine is an African Women Entrepreneurship Cooperative (AWEC) 2020 Alumna, Chevening Africa Media Freedom Fellow (2023) and a Tedx Speaker.
Ms Phathiswa Magopeni has over two decades of strategic, operational, and editorial leadership experience in the media sector.
She has held executive management and editorial leadership roles, including Editor-in-Chief and Group Executive for SABC News and Head of Terrestrial News Services at eNCA.
She lectured at the University of the Western Cape and the University of Cape Town. She served as Chief Operations Officer at Bhekisisa Centre for Health Journalism. She is a Board Director at the South African Broadcasting Corporation and chairs the board’s Public Broadcasting Service Committee.
She holds memberships with the World Editors Forum, Institute of Directors SA, South African National Editors Forum and chairs its Education and Training Committee. She was awarded the Menell/Duke University and Bloomberg Media Initiative Africa fellowships. She holds a BA, BA Hons, and MPhil ed. from the University of the Western Cape; an Integrated Marketing Communications Higher Diploma from the AAA School of Advertising, a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Studies and an MBA from the Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of Pretoria, where she is completing her doctoral studies.
Member
Toki Mabogunje is a certified business development consultant interested in the growth of enterprises on the African continent.
Toki is the Vice Chair for Africa of the World Chamber Federation; the immediate Past President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI); Chairperson Shelter Origins (a housing NGO); Board Member Convention on Business Integrity (CBi); Board Member Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria; Member Steering Committee Free Enterprise and Democracy Network (FEDN); Trustee Association of Nigeria Women Business Network, (ANWBN); Trustee Lagos Island Connect (LIC) a youth NGO; Board Member Committee of Relevant Art (CORA); amongst others.
Toki has received numerous awards, including the outstanding volunteer award 2003 from Fate Foundation; an Achievement award by the Ghana Association of Women Entrepreneurs (GAWE) in 2009 for breaking the glass ceiling; the volunteer award for 10 years of dedicated service in 2010 by Fate Foundation; induction into the Fate Foundation Hall of Fame; the Mentor of the Year Award 2009 by Idea Builders & Vital Voices of America.
She mentors young entrepreneurs through structured mentoring programs with Women in Successful Careers (WISCAR); Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ); She is a Super Mentor to NECA’s Network of Entrepreneurial Women (NNEW). She developed 2 mentoring programmes at the LCCI. First for City Chambers and second for young entrepreneurs. The Entrepreneurship Mentoring Programme is in its 10th year and has mentored over 600 businesses.
Toki has co-authored an anthology of poetry with her son titled THE DUET. It has been performed on stage several times. In recognition of her support of the arts, the National Association of Nigerian Theatre Practitioners (NANTAP) awarded her the World Theatre Day Personality and Cultural Ambassador 2014. The British Council in February 2016 supported the DUET performance as part of the Lagos Theatre Festival.
Board Member
Nozha Ben Mohamed, Journalist, Regional Project Manager with (JHR) Journalists for Human Rights, women activist, cofounder of the first community radio in Tunisia (Radio 6 Tunis)
Very young, my activism began with Amnesty International. I learned how to stand up for others. By 20, I was deeply immersed in the concerns of the youth across Africa, sharing dreams, hopes, and challenges.
In 2005, I met a group from Canada called AMARC. They showed me how to use the radio to share stories. Stories that matter. I started a radio station in 2007, hoping to make a difference with a dream of telling stories on women’s rights and advocating for human rights.
A dream that, for me, risked 23 years of imprisonment being issued just for telling stories.
But back in Tunisia, under a dictatorial shadow, I did not know that the radio station would represent a threat to the regime.
2011 was a turning point for Tunisia. We wanted change, but it was tough for the media or civil society organizations because the government was with the Islamists, and they were the first to oppose freedom of the press and equality, so the struggle continued to put in place a law that protects journalists, but to this day we do not have a law.
The struggle for women’s rights and democracy also continues. But we kept going.
I started working with Journalists for Human Rights to boost our advocacy; we asked a big question: “Why can’t a woman be a leader?” We told stories, we talked to people, we championed the cause of women in leadership; we empowered journalists and media to produce stories and forums to talk about women’s access to decision-making positions.
And guess what?
We made a difference!
But our journey doesn’t end in Tunisia. It’s a blueprint, a testament to what can be achieved elsewhere, in the Arab world, in sub-Saharan Africa, and beyond. In today’s world, with the looming threats of climate change, migration challenges, and persistent gender inequalities, it’s a call to arms. Together, as a global civil society, we have the power and the responsibility to usher in change.
Board Member
Alfred Akerele has over a decade of experience in the non-profit sector, holding significant roles with local, national, and global humanitarian and media organizations. He is a seasoned professional dedicated to driving impactful change through strategic project management, resource mobilization, and policy advocacy. His expertise spans sustainable development, civic engagement, education, media, public health, economic development, climate change, and social inclusion.
In his previous role as a Program Officer at the International Centre for Investigative Reporting in Abuja, Alfred oversaw initiatives with over 150 journalists nationwide. He led projects on open contracting, basic health interventions, media literacy, tax justice, and women’s socio-economic empowerment, enhancing transparency and accountability. He also conducted media literacy training across 12 states, benefiting over 1500 students.
Alfred has mentored young people through various projects, including the Youth Leadership Development Program by LEAP Africa, Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP), funded by the EU and implemented by the UNDP, and has been judged at the 2023 Enactus Nigeria National Competition, the GovSpend Media Fellowship by BudgIT Foundation In his career, he has secured and managed grants totalling over $6.5 million from prominent donors including the MacArthur Foundation, the German Embassy in Nigeria, the Duton Organization, the International Budget Partnership, Voluntary Service Overseas, Mastercard Foundation, and various international embassies. He is currently collaborating with the Commonwealth Youth Gender Equality Network to enhance member states’ commitment to gender-inclusive quality education and equitable employment opportunities.
His dedication to youth empowerment was recognized when he received the Nigeria Youth Futures Fund (NYFF) grant in 2022. Currently, as a Grant Analyst at the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG). He maintains data accuracy, drafts compelling grant proposals, and supports donor and partner engagements. Alfred excels in adhering to organizational policies, delivering high-quality results, and collaborating with diverse teams to achieve organizational objectives.
Board Member
Fanny Nana Ampon holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Linguistics from the University of Ghana and a Master of Arts degree in Public Affairs from the same University.
She leverages on over 15 years’ experience in Journalism/Storytelling and Development Communication to enhance visibility for organizations. Her niche has been in Integrated Marketing Communication, Social Media Management, Digital Marketing, Media Relations and Journalism (both print and broadcast). Fanny is a Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Awards Recipient for Best Report on Human Rights.
She has rich experience working in the Public Sector, the development sector as well as multi-national organizations. In the respective roles held, Fanny always contributed to the successful delivery of critical PR, Integrated Marketing Communication and Advocacy Campaigns by providing pro-active and professional communication support and advisory. She comes with strong writing, negotiation, copywriting, editing, messaging and video making and digital media skills and excellent relationship with the media landscape in Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Liberia and Sierra Leone.
As a National Service person with the Graphic Communications Group Limited, Fanny reported extensively on child rights issues and regularly wrote feature articles for publication. She has also worked with the Ghana Wildlife Society as its Communications Officer where she developed and implemented the organization’s annual communication and visibility plan and led media and public relations efforts.
At the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation — the state broadcaster where she worked for eight years, Fanny reported extensively on the Environment, Education, Courts and Crimes Reporting, the Sustainable Development Goals as a member of the United Nations Development Program, UNDP-Ghana press corps. She was a key reporter during the 2012 landmark election petition in Ghana.
Fanny subsequently moved to the USAID/Ghana Sustainable Fisheries Management Project as its Communications and Media Relations Officer. There, she developed and maintained an excellent working relationship with media outlets on behalf of the project, and managed internal and external communications to reach targeted audiences. She has also consulted for a number of multinational organizations such as Mondelez International Cocoa Life programme in Ghana — where she coordinated media activities, reviewed documents and developed news articles and success stories out of them for publication in the dailies. Fanny has also worked as the Communications Manager for Solidaridad West Africa in Ghana, where she was responsible for both internal and external communications.
Fanny is a member of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), an Associate member of the Institute of Public Relations Ghana, a member of the Women in PR Ghana, and a past Mentee of the maiden edition of the Global Women in PR Empower Mentorship Programme.
Prior to joining Fairtrade Africa, Fanny was the Development Communication Expert for the World Bank funded Africa Environmental Pollution Management Programme being implemented by Ghana’s Environmental Protection Agency.
At Fairtrade Africa, Fanny oversees both internal and external project communication for the organization’s biggest programme yet — the DONUTS Programme — that includes 13 projects being implemented in Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Kenya, Ethiopia, Malawi, South Africa and Madagascar.
Board Member
Hewete was born and raised in London but has lived and worked in France, the US and Kenya. She started her career interning at the U.N and Worldbank.
Hewete was at the BBC in 2008 as a journalism trainee and has spent most of her career in the BBC World Service. She’s produced for BBC Africa both from London and as a field producer across Africa. Hewete left the BBC in March 2023.
From 2016-2018 she was Future Talent Senior Producer for World Service Languages running entry-level trainee schemes for bilingual journalists. In this post she developed career workshops for existing staff that she went on to deliver to hundreds of staff within World Service languages and across Africa. She recently spent two years based in Nairobi as Training and Talent Manager for the region and has sat on the steering committee for BBC Global Women in News for nine years. Her last BBC role was as Senior Journalist Team Manager on the 50:50 Equality Project.
Hewete is passionate about Diversity & Inclusion. She is on the board of Action Against Hunger UK and the Hamlin Fistula Foundation – a charity that aims to eradicate obstetric fistula in Ethiopia. She recognises the importance of both getting diverse voices on air and ensuring the teams behind the news reflect the diversity of audiences. Working across Africa with the BBC and in 2014 reporting from a refugee camp on the South Sudanese border, Hewete saw first-hand the importance of a diverse reporting team when women were eager to tell her their stories. It is an experience that will always stay with her.
Hewete believes ‘we are all responsible for what our industry looks like’ and looks forward to shaping the next generation of African women in Media.
Board Member
Gail Jammy is a highly experienced senior executive, business development leader and digital media strategist.
During a long and varied career in the BBC, she strongly influenced BBC News digital strategy, helping to transform the way their news content is now consumed via different platforms around the world.
In her most recent BBC role as SVP, Business Development, Gail led negotiations and launched strategic and commercial partnerships with major global tech companies including Meta/Facebook, YouTube, Apple News, Microsoft, Yahoo and Twitter/X; and worked closely with the BBC’s editorial and social media teams to create innovative content for many of these platforms including weekly news shows and daily news bulletins. As part of her responsibilities to help deliver trusted and impartial News and Information to audiences around the world, she travelled extensively to meet with digital companies in different markets, from Africa, to China, to Japan to the US.
With a magazine publishing background in South Africa, she relocated to the UK where her initial role in the BBC was Managing Editor of Focus on Africa magazine, a print publication that supported of the BBC’s African Service.
She went on to play a pivotal role in shaping the digital strategy for the BBC World Service globally, leading innovation around emerging devices and content delivery platforms in different countries, including across Africa. She oversaw the evolution of multi-lingual websites and mobile products, commissioned the original versions of BBC News mobile app, the first Smart TV news app, and the international-facing version of the core BBC News mobile site.
Gail holds a BA (Hons) in African History, Social Anthropology and Political Science from the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, and an MBA from the Bradford University of School of Management.
Board Member
Francesca Phiri-Banda is an award-winning journalist and communications professional with 20 years of experience in broadcast journalism. Trained by the Thomson Reuters Foundation and DW TV, she has honed her expertise in media training, corporate communication, stakeholder engagement, and moderating events, panel discussions, and workshops. She also holds a Bachelor’s of Law Degree.
Francesca has significantly impacted the Zambian media landscape, having worked with leading media organizations, Diamond Television and Muvi Television. At Diamond Television, she served as the Head of News and Current Affairs, where she successfully established the newsroom and trained journalists and TV presenters. She pioneered the live coverage of TV programs and news on Facebook, making Diamond TV the first broadcast house to cover news live on social media in March 2017.
After two years, she transitioned to the role of Head of Projects and Business Development at Diamond TV, where she tripled her sales targets by securing major companies and organizations for advertising and media visibility.
Currently, Francesca is the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Platinum Media, an online media and news outlet in Zambia that focuses on Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion, aiming to create a fairer and more just environment for all people. Her dedication to journalism and communications has earned her accolades and a respected place in the industry.
Francesca Phiri-Banda’s extensive experience in media relations, corporate communication, and business development makes her a valuable addition to the African Women in Media board, where she will contribute to the finance and fundraising team.
Board Member
Lebogang is a dedicated finance professional passionate about driving investment growth and economic development in Africa. She currently serves as the Senior Investment Officer for Africa at the Media Development Investment Fund. Lebogang is responsible for managing MDIF’s debt and equity portfolio projects in Africa.
With expertise in investment, consulting, and asset management, she supports the growth of MDIF’s portfolio in the region. She has 15 years of experience in Investment Banking, Private Equity, Asset Management, and Private Wealth Investment Management, working in both primary and secondary markets across sub-Saharan Africa. Prior to joining MDIF in 2022, she held positions at Circle Capital Global, IPRO Investments, and Dalberg Global Advisors.
Lebogang holds a Bachelor of Finance (Cum Laude) and is currently pursuing an MSc in Finance and Economic Policy. Based in Johannesburg, South Africa, she is fluent in Shona, Setswana, and English.