International Women’s Day in 2024 calls to "Invest in Women", advocating that progress for women benefits society as a whole. In light of this campaign, we have pulled together a two-part vox pop series, asking women in the media how they started their careers and mentors / colleagues they believe have benefited the journalism industry.

Helen McCabe, Managing Director at Future Women

Curiosity. I grew up on a farm in South Australia and wanted to do and see everything. Journalism seemed like the fastest way to do that. I was also interested in politics from an early age, so I was reading The Australian and was fascinated by the shenanigans in Canberra. 

My colleague and FW Deputy Managing Director Jamila Rizvi, who is a leading advocate for gender issues and SMH's Kate McClymont for her fearless journalism and her most recent story about Alan Jones. 

Saffron Howden, National Editorial Trainer at Australian Community Media

Providing accurate, reliable, and independent information about what's happening in the world is essential for a healthy democracy. Journalism helps people to be active, engaged, and informed citizens, and connects them to their communities. Reporters are society's eyes and ears in the corridors of power and help share the stories that define our past and shape our future. That's why I became a journalist and am still a journalist 20 years later.

I have been fortunate to work with so many wonderful journalists, editors, designers, and photographers over my career so far. At AAP when I was starting out, then at The Sydney Morning Herald, The Daily Telegraph, the Northern Star, Crinkling News and now ACM.

Journalism can be intense; it's a very sink or swim environment. I couldn't possibly list every single colleague who has helped and inspired me, but I Iearn every day from young women beginning their journey in this industry. Their grit, enthusiasm, self-awareness, and drive to do the best job for their audience inspire me. A shout out to every young woman I've mentored. I've learnt as much from you as you have from me.

Alice Ellis, Editor at Time Out Sydney

I was tossing up between being a human rights lawyer and becoming a journo to tell important stories (like a lot of idealistic uni students do!) and ended up studying Communications in Journalism at UTS. I loved radio, but I was lucky to nab a part-time job in magazines while studying. I was on a good run, moving through different publications and positions, so by the time I'd finished my degree, I was already working full-time on the launch team for Women's Health magazine. I kinda fell into it, but I decided "service journalism" (creating content that informs and helps people live their best lives; the type of content I produced at Women's Health and now here at Time Out) is what I'm happiest doing.   

I'm now in lifestyle journalism, but I worked in sports content for several years after a decade at Women's Health. I have huge admiration for the female sports journalists who've worked so hard to overcome dated preconceptions and gain the respect they deserve as subject-matter experts. I've always been a fan of Tracey Holmes, who was a bit of a trailblazer in that arena, and now there are so many guns. Isa Guha, Lisa Sthalekar, Mel McLaughlin, Tara Rushton, Jess Yates…I could go on and on.

Caitlin Fitzsimmons, Social Affairs Reporter at The Sydney Morning Herald

Journalism was my second choice after being an actor! I auditioned for acting school but didn't get in, and I knew I wanted to go to university. I chose to do a journalism degree because I liked writing and was interested in news, current affairs, and what makes the world tick. Ultimately, I fell in love with journalism and never seriously pursued acting. I specialised in television and radio at uni. I've always worked mainly in print since uni, but the internet has dissolved many of the barriers, including plenty of podcasting, video, and event presentations.

There are many (and some great blokes too), but I'll give a shout-out to the former Sydney Morning Herald Editor Lisa Davies for her work elevating women within our newsroom, and investing in Indigenous reportage and photojournalism.

Laura Masia, Entertainment Reporter at PEDESTRIAN.TV

Like many young women who get their start in magazine journalism, the first time I considered becoming a journalist was after watching the rom-com "Suddenly 30" as a kid. As I got older and realised that I had a knack for writing and communication, it felt like a pretty natural progression. Plus, the idea of working on a medium specifically produced for women was enticing, so I aimed to get my foot in the door at a magazine publication specifically.

I’ve been so lucky to have a bunch of mentors and colleagues who have shaped me as a journalist and many of them have been incredible women too. Kate Kirsten, Stephen Downie, Amber Giles, Josie Rozenberg-Clark, Matthew Galea, and Alex Bruce-Smith have all been incredible mentors to me and I am so grateful.

Check out Part Two of Telum Celebrates International Women’s Day 2024 in next Monday's Australia Alert.