By Gloria Josiah
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, FCT Chapter led by the Chairperson of NAWOJ FCT, Bassey Ita Ikpang, visited Dr. Jumai Ahmadu, Director of Reform Coordination and Service Improvement, FCTA, to seek a strategic partnership in addressing gender equality and empowerment for female journalists in the FCT.
During the Visit Chairperson NAWOJ FCT Thanked Dr Ahmadu for the love for the Chapter over the years. “We have keenly followed your activities to Humanity especially women and girls in the FCT and beyond and we see the passion with which you handle such issues and we admire and respect you greatly”, she stated.
“Your activities and support to widows are commendable and we make bold to say we are proud of you. We are willing and available to forge a strategic partnership that will address one of the most pressing issues of our time: gender equality and empowerment.
The Chairperson NAWOJ FCT stated that NAWOJ has long been at the forefront of advocating for the rights, well-being and empowerment of women in Nigeria. Stressing that the present executive in FCT is ready and determined to do more in uplifting the lives of the vulnerable in the FCT especially women and girls even at the remotest part of the communities to amplify the policies and programmes of government and its various sub units in FCT.
Bassey Ita Ikpang said “Just last Friday we were in Wumba Village in the FCT for our Breastfeeding Programme which did not only address exclusive breastfeeding but other health challenges that affect women and girls”.
Our mission as women journalists has been clear and that is to amplify the voices of women and women leaders to ensure that their stories are told, and to champion the cause of gender equality in every sphere of life. Yet, we recognize that we cannot achieve this alone. It is only through strategic partnerships with organizations such as yours, committed to the same ideals, that we can make meaningful progress.
Today, we are not just meeting to discuss collaboration; we are coming together to align our visions, to combine our resources, and to leverage our strengths in a united front against gender discrimination, violence, and inequality. Our goal is to create an environment where every woman and girl can live free from fear, free from want, and with the opportunity to achieve her full potential.
“We however cannot do all these if we on our part, are in want. It is for this reason that I implore you to support us to assist our women mostly those in the private media as many of them are not on any salary scale”.
This partnership is critical as we face ongoing challenges—whether it is in addressing the gender pay gap , combating gender-based violence, promoting women’s leadership, or challenging harmful cultural norms. By working together, we can drive the change that our society so desperately needs.
We can develop comprehensive strategies that not only address the symptoms of gender inequality but also tackle its root causes.
I forsee a partnership where we share knowledge, support one another in advocacy and outreach, and co-create programmes that empower women economically, socially, and politically. Together, we can craft policies that protect the rights of women and ensure they are not just at decision making table but that their voices are heard in decision-making processes at all levels.
“I am confident that with our collective expertise, passion, and commitment, we can pave the way for a more equitable and just society. Please mention FCT NAWOJ wherever and whenever it matters, carry us along in all your projects and programmes. We also appeal for some slots at the Zambia 2024 African women conference”.
Comrade Bassey Ita Ikpang, stressed NAWOJ FCT’s commitment towards advocating for Women’s Rights and empowerment, and the need for a united front to drive meaningful progress. Adding that NAWOJ FCT was open to collaborations.
In her response, Dr Jumai Ahmadu, said
Support for NAWOJ FCT is non-negotiable and her office will do everything together to ensure that the Bassey led- administration tenure is very successful and impactful.
Dr Ahmadu advised “NAWOJ to visit the Traditional Rulers’ Wives Association, you can also pay them an advocacy visit if you relate with them, because they have 17 chiefdoms. Whatever you do, they can carry it down to the grassroots”.
She noted that “We are building a profile to see how we can get funds from donor agencies to enable us to work with like-minded organizations. And ones that NAWOJ will originally be our first point of call, like you said, when we work together, we amplify our work”.
“We’ve done it with NOW before; I will continue to do it whenever resources are available, that I can assure you. Like I said, support for NAWOJ is non-negotiable; we will put everything together to ensure that your tenure is very, very successful and impactful” she concluded.
The meeting was cordial and productive symbolizing the Executives commitment to building collaborations and advancing gender equality for NAWOJIANS in the FCT.
