Stakeholders in the media have tasked the media on the need to improve gender equality and good governance in Nigeria.
The call was made during a 2-day workshop collaboration between the Ministry of Education and the Nigerian National Commission for UNESCO titled: Impact of Safe Journalism and Gender Equality on Democratic Governance in Nigeria.
The 2-day workshop seeks to address how the media can propel a positive change in gender equality and good governance.
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During the presentation by one of the keynote speakers, Rafatu Salami who discussed the topic: Gender Equality in Journalism, she harped on gender at the decision-making level as well as equality in the workplace and the working conditions as it concerns equal pay, work-life balance, safe working environment for women and men, gender portrayal in the media, etc.
she said: “Gender equity is about giving people(both male and female) what is due to them.”
She also noted that “the greatest challenge being faced by women in the workplace is sexual harassment.”
Another speaker, Prof. Abiodun Adeniyi harped on the topic ‘Improving Governance in Nigeria Through the Media,’ he said good governance is synonymous with peace, prosperity, productivity, and efficiency.
Prof. Abiodun Adeniyi explained that “The media plays a very great role in improving good governance in any country. The test of good governance is the degree to which it delivers o the promise of human rights, civil rights, cultural, Economic, and political rights.
“Good governance epitomizes participation, transparency, accountability, equity, inclusion, and following the rule of law.
“The media is integral to good governance by ensuring that political, social and economic priorities are based on broad consensus in society and that the voices of the poorest and the most vulnerable are heard in the decision of making over the allocation of development resources.”
At the end of the 2-day workshop, a draft communique was presented which states in summary that:
“Being equipped with the right information in real-time is capable of changing the way the world is viewed by individuals. The invaluable role of the media in promoting democracy can only thrive and develop when information management and dissemination are democratized. In conclusion, promoting gender equality in all aspects of society, including in journalism, is vital to the development of the nation and building robust democratic governance in Nigeria.”
The Workshop was attended by Journalists, media regulatory bodies, security personnel, government agencies, and students.
