Tassie trial for women

TASMANIA will be the pilot site for an Australia-first mentoring network for women, following the launch of the state chapter of Women in Media.

Women in Media Australia is a nationwide initiative for women working in all facets of the media – from journalism and media advising to public relations and corporate affairs.

Two-time Walkley Award winner and ABC news breakfast presenter Virginia Trioli and National Living Treasure Caroline Jones AO were the keynote speakers at the Tasmanian launch at Mona.

Women in Media Tasmania convener and ABC radio producer Catherine Zengerer said it was hoped the state chapter would empower and support professional media women across the state.

“A lot of women suffer from impostor syndrome, where they feel they aren’t good enough for the roles they are in ... we want to send a message out to women that you are good enough,” she said.

Tasmania will host a pilot Women in Media mentoring program using an online platform called Brancher.

Brancher uses the latest psychology research and evidence-based assessments to match compatible mentees and mentors.

The Tasmanian pilot will be guided by print journalist, columnist and public relations practitioner Danielle Blewett.

“We are a competitive and creative lot. We live on an island; we are story tellers at heart, but often we’re too exhausted to reach out,’’ she said.

“This exciting pilot will make the process so much easier.”

Applications for the free mentoring program can be submitted via the Tasmanian committee link on the Women in Media website womeninmedia.com.au