The University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC) Students’ Representative Council (SRC), through its Gender Affairs Office, marked Day Two of its International Women’s Day (IWD) 2026 celebration with a high-level discussion on “Women in Media and Leadership.”

The event, held on Tuesday, March 24, brought together leading media professionals and industry players who shared practical insights on leadership, resilience, mentorship, and career growth for young women in the media space.

The panel featured media personalities, including JoyNews’ Noella Kharyne Yalley, 3Music’s Aimee Cherry, and lecturer and founder of Students Talk With Eva, Eva Kuupuolo.

Moderated by Regina Deladem Kevi and Augustine Toussaint, the session saw speakers underscore the importance of preparation and resilience in attaining leadership roles. Participants were encouraged to remain ready to seize opportunities, with resilience highlighted as a defining trait for women navigating competitive media environments.

According to Eva Kuupuolo, effective leadership requires patience, tolerance, and strong problem-solving skills. She urged young women to develop the capacity to manage diverse perspectives and lead with empathy.

Responding to a question on how women can position themselves for leadership opportunities, Noella Kharyne Yalley encouraged participants to distinguish themselves through excellence and intentionality, stressing that consistent hard work allows results to speak louder than words.

Mentorship emerged as a key highlight of the discussion, with speakers urging young women to intentionally seek mentors whose journeys align with their goals.

The panel further noted that mentorship is a two-way relationship that requires commitment, discipline, and a willingness to learn. Participants were also advised to remain patient in their search, acknowledging that not all professionals may be available to take on mentorship roles.

The Day Two session formed part of UniMAC’s week-long IWD 2026 celebration under the theme “From Awareness to Action: Driving Real Change for Women and Girls.” Organisers say the initiative is aimed at equipping students with the knowledge, networks, and inspiration needed to thrive in the media and communication industry.