Always Report Harassment Against Women – NAWOJ Urges Women Journalists
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), has directed its members to always report any form of harassment against women particularly women journalists in the country.
This was just as NAWOJ said that allowing more women in positions would add value to governance and promote national development.
National President of NAWOJ, Comrade Ladi Bala, who stated the position of the Association at a three-day Training for Female Journalists on Gender Equality and Safety in Workplaces on Tuesday in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, also stressed the need for enhancement of gender balance and equity in the society.
At the training workshop which is in collaboration with Norwegian Journalists, the NAWOJ National President noted that intensive training and continuous sensitization of the members of the public would go a long way in tackling stereotypes in the society with a view to changing the negative orientations and enhanced development.
In her words; “Be dedicated to your duties at all times and ensure gender-sensitive reporting is implemented to guarantee development”.
Also speaking at the workshop, the wife of the Governor of Ebonyi, Mrs Rachael Umahi, said that a lot needs to be done concerning the public’s perception of issues on gender equality and equity.
Mrs. Umahi, who was represented by her Special Assistant on Welfare Matters, Mrs Patience Offor, urged women to support one another for development.
She described the programme as apt and assured of her support and willingness to treat matters brought to her attention urgently.
Speaking in turn, the Ebonyi State Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Mr Uchenna Oji, promised to work and give attention to the activities of the state’s chapter of NAWOJ.
Also speaking, the General Manager, Unity FM Abakaliki, Mr Okpani-Nkama Jnr, charged NAWOJ to sustain professionalism in reportage.
Similarly, the Ebonyi State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Deborah Okah, noted that the training was taking place at the right time for a violence-free society.
In his own remarks, the Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ebonyi chapter, Mr Tony Nwizi a and the Special Assistant to the National Vice-President of Zone ‘C’, Mr Felix Uka, commended NAWOJ under the leadership of Comrade Ladi Bala for their activities and achievements so far.
The Chairperson of NAWOJ, Ebonyi State chapter, Comrade Nkechinyere Oginyi, appreciated the national president and her team for bringing the programme to the state.
The training featured media executives and intensive lectures by resource persons on combating sexual harassment in workplaces and safety in the field.
Other discussions included dealing with gender stereotypes and objectives of gender-sensitive reporting.
