Stakeholders have called on the Nigeria Association of Female Journalists (NAWOJ), to amplify issues around Gender Based Violence (GBV) and harmful traditional practices affecting women and girls to end the menace in the society.
They made the call at the 11th triennial National Delegates Conference in Abuja, themed “Unite! Activism to end violence against women and girls: The role of the Media”.
The former Country Director, ActionAid Nigeria, Mrs Ene Obi, emphasised on media’s role in ending GBV, harmful traditional practices and other ills affecting the nation.
“The role of the media is a profound one and unwavering commitment to be able to change some of the perspectives about GBV.
“We need to adhere to some reporting guidelines in reporting GBV; we should avoid issues of sensationalism and victims blaming, there is a lot we need to do to bring the messages out.”
Also, the President, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr. Chris Isiguzo, said the media play a crucial role in shaping public opinion, challenging norms, and advocating for change.
According to him, “the theme emphasises our pledge to use our platform actively to prevent and combat violence against women and girls.”
Isiguzo admonished members of the association to unite and focus on rebuilding, peace and progress of the association.
“Bitterness, rancour and acrimony can only give birth to retrogression. Let us embrace a new chapter characterised by collaboration, understanding, and shared goals.
“Our collective strength lies in unity and together we can overcome challenges and usher in an era of unprecedented success for NAWOJ,” he added.
The Chairman of the occasion and a veteran journalist, Mrs. Moji Makanjoula said the foundation of the association is to “promote women, give them visibility so that we are counted as part of national development.”
She underscored the need to ensure inclusiveness, equity and transparency in the association’s election process.
“Today we will show the genuineness of being a woman when we conduct an election to be remembered, an election that will hold us as one, an election that will hold us as women of virtue, an election that will show the way that when you give power to women, they know how to use it and they use it well.”
Earlier, the NAWOJ President, Mrs. Ladi Bala, reiterated the commitment of the association in advancing the course and protecting the rights of women and children.
“It is a wake up call to each and every one of us; NAWOJ mandate is to promote the course of women, children and the less privileged.
“It is on that note that I am calling each and every one of us as women journalists that we have a role to play in promoting the course of women in upholding the rights of women.
“We are the ones that will report those abuses, harassment, intimidation against women and also speak for women; that is why we are called the voice of the voiceless,” she said.
