The way Alia Chebbab and Leila Hawkins look at each other says it all: their friendship, shared vision, and commitment to human rights are the foundation of their groundbreaking platform, Nadja. Together, they are reshaping the media landscape to ensure fair representation for women and underrepresented communities.
Alia and Leila recently joined Wempower’s Behind the Headlines podcast to discuss their journey in journalism, their mission for inclusivity, and how they’re creating change in the industry.
From the BBC to building Nadja: A journey rooted in values
The two co-founders first met while working at the BBC’s copywriting department. Though their career paths began differently, they were united by a shared frustration with mainstream media’s lack of diverse perspectives.
“I was tired of seeing the same narratives over and over again,” says Leila, who transitioned to human rights journalism after a decade in the music, food, and film media industries. “There was always something missing in the stories I read – there were important perspectives that mainstream media wasn’t bold enough to explore.”
Alia’s passion for journalism began early, but she soon realised that the industry wasn’t what she had expected. “When I was 18, I had an experience in a very sexist newsroom, and that put me off journalism for years. It wasn’t until I worked at a small production company in Paris that I rediscovered my love for storytelling.”
Nadja: A platform for inclusive journalism
In 2016, Nadja began as an experiment. The duo started publishing articles on gender, social issues, and human rights to test audience interest. Year after year, the audience kept growing, and in 2022, Alia and Leila decided to launch their media company officially. Today, Nadja’s stories reach 140 countries every day.
Their mission is to address gender representation in media and amplify the voices of marginalised communities.
“We’re still seeing headlines referring to women as ‘the wife of’ or ‘the daughter of,’” says Leila. “We want to change that. Women deserve to be recognised for their expertise, achievements, and contributions to society – not just as victims of domestic abuse or sexual violence.”
Challenges and advice for aspiring journalists
During the live podcast recording, which was specifically designed for young journalism students, Alia and Leila answered audience questions, offering valuable insights on how to build a successful career in the industry:
- What makes a good story? “Strong values and authenticity.”
- How to build credibility? “Be consistent and transparent in your reporting.”
- Key skills for modern journalists? “Diversify your multimedia skills. Social media, video production, and AI tools are essential in today’s media landscape.”
Leila also highlighted the importance of networking and collaboration: “Journalism can be cliquey, but building genuine connections can open doors and sustain your career in this ever-changing industry.”
This unique opportunity to learn directly from experienced journalists left a lasting impression on the young attendees, equipping them with practical advice to navigate their future careers.
Collaboration with feminist platforms
Nadja is part of a growing movement of women-led newsrooms reclaiming narratives. Collaborating with platforms like Zan Times, founded by Zahra Nader, Nadja contributes to the global push for more inclusive journalism.
Zahra Nader, who is also the editor-in-chief of Zan Times, was a guest on the Behind the Headlines podcast, where she shared her insights on the challenges and triumphs of leading a pioneering women-led investigative newsroom in Afghanistan.
“Women are joining forces to cover global issues from a gender perspective,” says Alia. “We hope for a future where women’s stories are told without judgment and where journalists don’t have to highlight women’s achievements, because they already have an equal and fair representation in the media.”
Looking ahead: A bright future for inclusive media
Despite the challenges of working across borders – Leila is based in London, and Alia in Italy – the co-founders remain committed to their vision. Their complementary skills and shared dedication continue to drive Nadja’s mission to create a more inclusive media landscape.
“Ultimately, our goal is simple: equal and fair representation,” Leila concludes. “The media should reflect the diversity of the world it reports on.”
As Nadja grows, Alia and Leila’s journey inspires a new generation of journalists to challenge the status quo and prioritise inclusion.
Listen to the Full Podcast Episode
Catch the full conversation with Nadja’s co-founders, Alia Chebbab and Leila Hawkins, on Behind the Headlines.
