By Cynthia Batuta
A two-day training on gender equity and safety for women journalists in Benue State kicked off in Makurdi, the State capital. The event, organized by the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ in partnership with the Norwegian Union of Journalists, aims to empower and reposition female journalists with the skills to tackle challenges in their line of duty.
According to Mrs. Bridget Kyado, Principal Assistant to the Governor on Media Publicity and Strategic Communications, gender equity, safety, and gender-sensitive reporting are crucial in promoting a fair and just society. She emphasized that Benue State faces numerous challenges, including violence against women and girls, limited access to education, and harmful cultural norms ¹.
NAWOJ Benue State Chairperson, Comrade Elizabeth Achagh, stressed the importance of inclusivity and safety in the workplace, noting that this will guarantee efficiency and improve productivity. She appealed to media executives to provide a gender-friendly environment and safe spaces for all staff, regardless of gender.
The training, which also includes Kwara State, uses a manual developed by the International Federation of Journalists on gender-sensitive reporting. This aims to equip participants with the skills to handle harassment challenges in their line of duty.
Comrade Bemdoo Ugber, Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Benue State Council, commended NAWOJ for organizing the training and encouraged female colleagues to speak up against marginalization.
This initiative is part of NAWOJ’s efforts to promote gender equity and safety for women journalists, as well as provide training and support to enhance their professional development ².