FCT : NAWOJ Moves To Increase Women Leadership Roles In Media

In a swift move to promote gender equality and increase women participation in the media landscape, over 100 Female Journalists have benefited from a one day training.

The one-day capacity building, themed “Workplace Diversification: Advancing Female Journalists’ Role in the Newsroom,” was organised by the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ FCT in Collaboration with the Office of Head of Civil Service of the Federation in Abuja.

Declaring the training open, the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, represented by the Director, Learning and Development, Mr Elisha Benjamin emphasized the need for workplace diversification, adding that women make better decisions when given leadership roles.

“Institutional commitment to equitable recruitment and promotion, continuous capacity development, structured mentorship for younger journalists, and gender-sensitive reporting that dismantles stereotypes”.

She encouraged women to own their voices, uphold professionalism, and mentor younger colleagues while using media platforms to promote dignity, unity, and public trust.

On her Part, the National Chairperson of NAWOJ,Hajia Aisha Ibrahim represented by the Chairman NUJ FCT, Comrade Grace Ike who commended the initiative,

urged female journalists to be a strong support system to one another by highlighting women’s achievements rather than pulling them down.

“At NAWOJ, we are committed to breaking down these barriers and advocating for equitable opportunities.”

Earlier, the Chairperson of NAWOJ FCT, Comrade Bassey Ita Ikpang who reiterated the commitment of her administration in empowering female journalists, noted that the training was designed to equip female journalists with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the media industry and promote a more inclusive and diverse newsroom environment.

She commended past leadership of the association for building a strong foundation and encouraged participants to make maximum use of the training.

Participants at the event expressed happiness and commended the organisers while expressing optimism that the exposure would add value to the profession.

“I am happy…infact l commend the organisers, we are now better equipped ..thank you so much NAWOJ FCT and Head of Civil Service of the Federation.”

The training covered a range of topics, including Amplifying Women’s Voices in Leadership, Balancing Work & the Home Front, Leadership & Career Growth for Women Journalists, and Digital skills among others were undertaken by erudite speakers, some of whom are veterans in the media profession including Director News FRCN, Husseina Banshika, Director News NTA, Hajia Halima Musa, the Chairman Editorial Board of Blueprint Newspapers, Zainab Suleiman Okino among others

The speakers encouraged journalists to challenge stereotypes, embrace leadership roles, and use data-driven reporting to amplify women’s voices in politics, governance, and society.

Nkiruka Okeke, Edited By Grace Namiji