Women Meeting the Challenge: A Handbook for Media Leadership
Stepping Outside of the Box

So often, women and men focus their thought processes and their actions within a very narrow set of parameters - a box or a comfort zone. Overcoming gender obstacles in climbing the media ladder requires stepping outside of that box. "People who are into this comfort zone will not think creatively because they will always say it is too risky," Arothe-Vaughan said. "Excuses like, I might get the sack, my husband might start divorce proceedings, it will cost too much, or being afraid of losing control, power or authority or looking foolish is not practical."

In much of Africa, the news media is undergoing great changes in its structure and approach. Creative thinking and the ability to break out of the personal comfort zone and take a few risks are basic requirements for leadership in this field. Women, who have been the historic outsiders in the media, have an advantage by bringing a new perspective to the industry. You should not be afraid to unleash your ingenuity and resourcefulness and to establish a creative vision.

Using your creativity and taking risks will demonstrate your leadership skills to others and will help you to find ways to deal with the challenges women leaders face. Women who are willing to take risks in breaking through the barriers in their career path should continually question systems that are often seen as the norm. They should break away from restrictions such as cultural and social practices that are oppressive to women and make their concerns heard.

Keep an open mind and don't judge until you have thoroughly explored alternatives. Ask questions in new ways; never assume the usual path is the best one; create opportunities for risk taking. For Amina Frense, a producer and editor with the South African Broadcasting Company Television, overcoming the fact that she did not have management training and education meant taking a big risk. "It is a team effort, it is confidence, it's a healthy dose of arrogance," she said. "I do not have the MBAs or any of those qualifications that one might require for running such a big organisation, but I'm determined to carry on."