NAWOJ expresses need for gender equality, equity to enhance national development
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) in collaboration with Norwegian Journalists have restated the need to enhance gender balance and equity in society and national development.
The National President of NAWOJ, Comrade Ladi Bala, made the remarks on Tuesday in Abakaliki during a three-day Training for Female Journalists on Gender Equality and Safety in Workplaces.
Bala emphasised that allowing more women in positions would add value to governance and promote national development.
Read Also: NDE Trains 130 Borno Women IDPs, Vulnerable On Skills Acquisition
She also stated that intensive training and continuous sensitisation of the general public toward tackling stereotypes in society would change negative orientations and enhance development.
Bala encouraged all female Journalists always to be ready to report any forms of harassment against them in the workplace.
“Be dedicated to your duties at all times and ensure gender-sensitive reporting is implemented to guarantee development,” Bala said.
Meanwhile, the Wife of the Governor of Ebonyi, Mrs Rachael Umahi said that a lot needs to be done concerning the public’s perception of gender equality and equity issues.
Umahi, who was represented by her Special Assistant on Welfare Matters, Mrs Patience Offor, urged women to support one another for development.
She acknowledged that the programme was apt and assured her support and willingness to treat matters brought to her urgently.
The Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Ebonyi, Mr Uchenna Oji, promised to work and give attention to the activities of the state’s chapter of NAWOJ.
The General Manager, Unity FM Abakaliki, Mr Okpani-Nkama Jnr, charged the association to sustain professionalism in reportage.
Mrs Deborah Okah, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Ebonyi, maintained that the training was apt for a violence-free society.
The Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ebonyi chapter, Mr Tony Nwizi a and the Special Assistant to the Vice-President of the council, zone C, Mr Felix Uka, commended the association for their activities.
The NAWOJ Chairperson Ebonyi State chapter, Comrade Nkechinyere Oginyi, appreciated the national president and team’s bringing the programme to the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training featured media executives and intensive lectures by resource persons on combating sexual harassment in the workplace and safety in the field.
NAN also reports that other discussions included dealing with gender stereotypes and objectives of gender-sensitive reporting.
