 has called on women journalists to take a leading role in promoting child protection and amplifying the voices of vulnerable children in Nigeria.){kind=link}
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called on women journalists to take a leading role in promoting child protection and amplifying the voices of vulnerable children in Nigeria.
Dr. Willy Mamah, a child protection specialist with UNICEF made the call during a two-day workshop training on child sensitive reporting for women Journalists in Kaduna state.
The workshop which was organised by the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Kaduna state Chapter in collaboration with UNICEF, is aimed at empowering women Journalists to become advocates for children and social change.
Mamah who spoke on behalf of UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office, Kaduna, Gerida Birukila explained that the country was currently facing a critical situation in child protection and survival.
He identified poverty, insecurity, and harmful socio-cultural norms as the three major challenges affecting children’s wellbeing across the country.
He urged women journalists to use their platforms to challenge harmful stereotypes, raise awareness, and advocate for the rights of children.
“Many children are unable to speak out due to cultural restrictions. As journalists, you are in a position to amplify their voices and hold perpetrators accountable,” he said.
Adoption of Child-sensitive Reporting
Earlier, the Kaduna state Commissioner of Information, Ahmed Maiyaki said there was need for journalists to adopt child-sensitive reporting to protect the dignity, safety and future of children.
Represented by the Director Media Relations and Citizens Engagement, Yunusa Muhammad, the commissioner commended the organisers of the training describing it as essential in promoting ethical and responsible journalism.
According to him, child-sensitive reporting remains a powerful tool for social change, as it brings attention to critical issues such as education, health and child protection.
“When we report on children, we are not just reporting on subjects; we are guardians of their dignity, safety and their future.
“We look to you to hold us accountable, but we also expect you to report with care and sensitivity, especially on vulnerable groups like children,” he added.