Mentoring is an effective method of professional development. It encourages growth and motivation, improves productivity and engagement, facilitates connection between the participants, strengthens the community and collective identity of women, helps expand the network of professional contacts, creates opportunities for cooperation and exchange of ideas and contributes to strengthening self-confidence.

We ran a two-month pilot mentoring programme between February and April 2021, to empower women in the media. Fifteen mentees and six experienced mentors from six countries of the Western Balkans took part. The mentees were matched to a mentor with experience in the media. The mentors offered advice on any challenges but also shared their knowledge, experience and networks to support their mentee. This was an opportunity to learn, ask questions and experience different points of view.

Mentees met with their mentors twice a week to work on personal and professional development goals. The mentees also participated in workshops and consultations to exchange their experiences, reflect on the mentoring process and network with each other.

Meet the Mentors 

We worked with journalists from across the region with experience in a range of media and paired them with mentees from different countries. At the end of the programme we asked the mentors to reflect on their experiences. All of the mentors chose to take part because they wanted to help the younger generation but they also found that they learnt from their mentees.

Valbona Sulçe

Valbona Sulçe is a freelance journalist, media researcher and trainer from Tirana, Albania. She began her career as a political reporter and anchorwoman. She has written and taught extensively on reporting diversity. 

Elira Çanga

Elira Çanga is an experienced Albanian journalist, media expert and trainer. She is presently managing the EU-funded project Media in Focus in Albania and is working on strengthening public service media and enriching the school of journalism’ curricula. 

Marina Riđić

Marina Riđić is a TV anchor, journalist, and communications expert. Her work, currently at Aljazeera Balkans, comprises 3000+ TV shows, interviews, live reports and documentary films and focuses on politics.

Dušanka Duška Pejović

Dušanka Duška Pejović has been a journalist for more than 20 years and is currently employed as an editor - journalist at the Radio Television of Montenegro. For many years  she has worked for international organizations as an expert, consultant, researcher, trainer and analyst in the fields of media and communications, gender equality, participatory approach.

Zaneta Skerlev

Zaneta Skerlev is a columnist, writing weekly columns for newspaper and online sites in North Macedonia, monitors media in the Balkans and formerly the Head of the Macedonian BBC World Service.

Maša Mileusnić

Maša spent nearly 30 years in TV as a reporter, news anchor, editor, correspondent and consultant for media. While she is no longer active in journalism as team leader of the Network Journalists against violence against women, she engages with the media through specific programs and guides for journalists who report about violence against women and girls.

What our mentors and mentees had to say about the programme

Mentee - Željka Zvicer (MNE)

'Valbona‘s experience and knowledge was extremely helpful, considering daily challenges and articles I had to write. She gave me practical tips, advised how to approach a subject and how to do an interview with domestic violence victims. I wrote my stories and they brought me my first real contract! She also supported me when I had to report about election day in my home town - it was my first time so her advices were so helpful. Beside Valbona, I have virtually met some amazing women and I was part of Nejra's – another mentee from the programme, story. Everything I needed this programme gave me - support, friends and achieved goals. It came for me when I most needed it - at the very beginning of my career. Everyone should have this experience. Mentoring is always needed!'

Mentor - Valbona Sulçe (ALB) 

'It has been a very nice experience, because Željka was very committed to make this relationship work. She used every opportunity to ask, reflect, pose questions and turn them into action. She managed to find time for our meetings although very busy with her work and this showed determination on her part to conclude this program at the best way. I discovered that young journalists across the Balkans share the same challenges, but also the same ambitions to excel and make journalism important again. She managed to fulfil both goals in a relatively short time and this tells a lot about the temperament of Željka to work relentlessly towards her goals. We agreed to stay in touch and collaborate on common projects we might have in the future. '

Mentee - Teodora Noveska (MKD)

''I have gained confidence and became more motivated for my work. Duska as my mentor set a whole new horizons for me. I didn't have any expectations from the beginning, it is a first program like this that I am being part of, but I must say - It was a great experience! I am very thankful for the great matching that you did with me and my mentor. And of course, I loved the sessions when we‘re all gathered together to talk.'

Mentor - Dušanka Pejović (MNE)

'We had a relationship full of trust. Often had moments of laughter, joy and conversations in which there is no hierarchy or one who knows less. We analyzed together, learned through practical examples and talked often about our attitudes and values in life and work. I could feel Teodora‘s excitement when we exchanged professional knowledge that she should apply in various forms of journalism, communication with politicians or sensitization about marginalized groups. It was extremely inspiring that there is an age difference between us but our value system is almost identical.'