In a bid to enhance the skills and knowledge of women journalists in Nigeria, the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has reiterated the need for training and retraining.
This initiative aims to prepare women journalists for the challenges they may face during their careers and in retirement.
The statement was made by the National Chairperson of NAWOJ, Comrade Aisha K. Ibrahim, who was represented by Chizoba Ogbeche, Vice Chairperson Zone D. The remarks were made at a two-day workshop on Capacity Building for Promotion of Gender Responsive and Conflicts Sensitive Actions in Coverage and Reportage in Fragile Context. The workshop, organized by CLEEN Foundation and supported by UNWomen and Norwegian Embassy, took place in Kaduna State on June 27th and 28th, 2024.
During the workshop, NAWOJ expressed gratitude to the Kaduna State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency Mal Uba Sani, and specifically thanked Hajia Rabi Salisu, the Honourable Commissioner of the Ministry of Human Services and Social Development, for facilitating the training. NAWOJ also called for further collaboration on raising awareness and finding solutions to issues affecting women and the girl-child.
In response, the Commissioner urged women journalists to continue advocating for peace through their reportage. She emphasized the importance of unity and social cohesion in society and encouraged women journalists to see themselves as peace advocates and ambassadors. She also urged them to contribute to conflict mediation and resolution through their reporting styles and editorial content.
The Commissioner highlighted the efforts of Governor Mal Uba Sani in investing in women’s development and promoting cultural and social interaction and cohesion, regardless of ethno-religious differences, to mitigate conflicts in the state.
Mr. Gad Peter, the Executive Director of CLEEN Foundation, represented by Mrs. Justina Johnson, the Admin and Finance Manager, welcomed the women journalists to Kaduna State for the training. CLEEN Foundation, supported by UNWomen and Norwegian Embassy, believes that bringing women journalists to discuss challenges in conflicts reporting is crucial. Their unique perspectives and insights will contribute to a better understanding of how conflicts are reported and understood.
The training, supported by CLEEN Foundation, UNWomen, and Norwegian Embassy, aims to promote peace and empathy by equipping participants with the skills necessary for responsive and effective conflicts reportage.
At the end of the workshop, the participants, led by NAWOJ National Secretary Wasila Ladan, paid a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Human Services and Social Development. They were received by the Honourable Commissioner, Hajiya Rabi Salisu, along with her Permanent Secretary and Directors.
The workshop was attended by various stakeholders, including the NAWOJ National Secretary, NAWOJ Vice Chairperson Zone A and Zonal Secretary, Vice Chairperson Zone D and Zonal Secretary, Chairman NUJ Kaduna State, and all the Chairpersons and Secretaries of Zone A. This workshop is one of several organized by CLEEN Foundation across the country, supported by UNWomen and Norwegian Embassy.
