Nigeria Association of Women Journalists Organizes Seminar for Members
By Lady Florence Ifeanyi Chidobi
ASABA/Nigeria: The national body of Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) in collaboration with the Norwegian Union of Journalists, organized a two-day workshop on the topic “Gender Equity and Safety/Gender Sensitive Reporting’’, for female journalist in Delta State on 26th and 27th September, 2019 at the temporary site of Nigeria Union of Journalists at Asaba.
During the seminar, the two resource persons, Rafat Salami and Veronica Ogbole, enlightened the female journalists on the need to see it as a responsibility to adopt policies on gender equity and gender equality for protection of the affairs of women in general in their official framework.
Meanwhile, the facilitators decried the fact that sexual harassments of females are not seen as violation against them and hence such cases are under-reported.
They, further, noted that there is on story that is worth the life of a journalist and therefore, implored the female journalists in the state to have self integrity, maintain the media mission which is purposeful reporting and urged them to endeavour to identify with their professional body in order to enjoy their union’s protection.
Declaring open the training, however, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Community and Social Development, Mrs. Flora Alatan, represented by the Director, Women Affairs, Mrs. Faith Okpohworho, appreciated the two associations responsible for organizing such a worthwhile workshop for female journalists in the state.
Moreover, the National President of NAWOJ, Mrs. Ifeyinwa Omowole, commended the organizers of the seminar for affording the female journalists the opportunity to know their rights and further, enjoined them to equip themselves with the constitution to enlighten them on their rights and also for them to know when any of their rights is trampled on. She, further, advised them to apply the knowledge they have acquired to enhance the professional skills.
Finally, Mrs. Omowole, applauded the Delta State Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Michael Ikeogwu for supporting NAWOJ in all ramifications to ensure it reaches an enviable height.
In response, Mr. Ikeogwu, affirmed that the training will enhance the knowledge acquisition of the female journalists. The chairman reiterated that the female journalists need to be encouraged to ensure that equality and equity are enforced in the pen profession, noting that such enlightenment will affect positively other females in their areas of career, as females\ women must protect themselves.
On behalf of the female journalists in Delta State, the NAWOJ Chairperson Mrs. Patricia Gbemudu thanked the national president and other state NAWOJ chairperson who graced the occasion for attending and wished them journey mercies. Among the other members of NAWOJ who attended were the National Financial Secretary Mrs. Sarah Ogodo and River State NAWOJ chairperson, Mrs. Lilian Okonkwo
Finally, the participants appreciated the organizers of the training for availing them opportunity to access new ideas about their profession, stressing that the training would assist them in performing their duties as female journalists.
