Now Oneya, Web Producer for the Daily Nation in Kenya, has been unquestionably transformed, thanks to WAN-IFRA’s Women in News Programme, where she has been a participant for the past six months.

“Before joining the programme, I lacked confidence,” says Faith. “I used to underrate myself and undervalue my expertise.”

The WIN programme is designed to empower young women in the media to realize their full potential. While this is Kenya’s first year in the programme, over 140 women have successfully completed it in several countries in Southern Africa.

Six months into the programme, many of Oneya’s friends and co-workers have been pleasantly surprised by such an abrupt transformation and are curious to know what has accounted for the change.

“I have been approached by some of Faith’s superiors to explain what happened for her to change like this,” says Christine Nguku, a career coach for the Kenya WIN Chapter.

Oneya has noticeably grown professionally, becoming more assertive, expressing herself in meetings and proposing new ideas at the workplace. She’s also become a true team player.

“It brings me great satisfaction that through the WIN programme we are able to unlock the potential of these young women,” adds Nguku.

At a May 2016 WIN training held in Harare, Zimbabwe – which was jointly organized by Wan-ifra and Wits University – Oneya spoke before a group of forty colleagues from seven African countries, adding that even a few months ago, she never would have been able to address such a gathering.

“I learned a lot about myself through the WIN programme,” says Oneya. “It has been a journey of self-discovery. The trainings, national gatherings, coaching and networks have taught me things I didn’t know about myself. Things have changed – not just on the work front but even the home-work balance has changed for the better.”

Oneya says that by being more self-aware, it has made her realize her potential, which has in turn made her more confident. Now, when she enters the newsroom, she never goes unnoticed. Instead, she’s the one making suggestions, speaking up about work issues, mentoring others and helping with questions on new media. If the spring in her step is anything to go by, Oneya is set for big things in her media career.

“Although I am still doing my old job, it doesn’t bother me much because I know that from here on out, the future of my career lies in my hands,” says Oneya. “I am in control.”