The Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Community Engagement (North West), Dr. Abiodun Essiet, has tasked women journalists to take ownership of media narratives and promote balanced representation of women in leadership and development.
Essiet made the call during the International Women’s Day 2026 commemoration organised by a non-governmental organisation, Women in Media Development Initiative (WIMDI), where stakeholders highlighted the role of women in strengthening democratic discourse and social development.
While urging women in media to challenge stereotypes and prioritise investigative journalism that reflects women’s contributions to national growth, she also encouraged them to mentor younger female content creators facing online harassment.
“It’s your responsibility, as women in media to change this narrative, own the space, to strengthen and promote the value of women, So I’m asking you to give some of this online generosity… by teaching them to grow, by also encouraging them,” she charged.
In her welcome address, WIMDI Team Lead, Dr. Lilian Anele, said the event recognised women who shape public narratives and influence governance through the media.
“Today, we are not just marking a date on the calendar. We acknowledge the women who shape narratives, challenge power, inform democracies, and influence culture in the media space,” she said.
Anele noted that despite women’s visibility in media organisations, structural inequalities remain.
“Pay gaps persist, and online harassment targets female journalists at alarming rates. Women in media must navigate not only professional scrutiny but also cultural and political resistance,” she said.
She stressed that the theme “Give to Gain” emphasises the importance of intentional investment in women.
“‘Give to Gain’ focuses on gender equity not as a favour to women, but as an investment in societal institutions with guaranteed benefits in the future,” Anele stated.
Also, Deputy Country Director of Action Aid Nigeria, Suwaiba Muhammad Dankabo, highlighted the organisation’s commitment to expanding women’s participation in governance and development, as it continues to prioritise women, young people, and persons with disabilities across its programmes.
“In Nigeria, we recognise the value addition of every woman, every woman in the media, as we extend the voices and strengthen participation beyond tokenism,” she said.
Coordinating Director of Broadcast Monitoring at the National Broadcasting Commission, Dr. Susan Obi, represented by Precious Orji, urged women in media to support one another.
“When we support and uplift each other, we create a ripple effect of empowerment and growth,” she said.
Practical Commitment
Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Grace Ike, called for practical commitment to women’s development.
“Let’s match our words with action, not just talk the talk but also we talk and match our words with action,” she said.
Representing the Chairperson of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) FCT Chapter, Princess Ekwi-Ajide, emphasised the rights of women journalists.
“Women journalists have the right to safe working environments, equal pay for equal work, access to leadership positions, freedom from harassment and discrimination,” she said.
Also, the founder of Helpline Social Support Initiative, Dr. Jumai Ahmadu, represented by Mrs Mariam Haruna, said empowering women requires intentional investment.
“When women give to each other, the impact multiplies, When we support and uplift each other, we create a ripple effect of empowerment and growth.continue to break barriers and shatter glass ceilings. Remember that your strength is a beacon of hope for future generations.” she said.
Founder of She Forum Africa, Inimfon Etuk, described women journalists as key drivers of advocacy for women and girls.
“Without media, and in particular the women in media who carry the burden and responsibility of strengthening our voice and agency, we really will only be talking to ourselves,” she said.
For Governance and Gender Equity advocate, Austine Aigbe, in giving to gain, women in media have to push women representation more vigorously as we head towards the 2027 elections.
“ Promote women vigorously, promote every woman on the ballot, promote them beyond reasonable doubt, push them in the limelight. That is the role that the women in media can do” he charged.
Project Director of WIMDI, Georgina Ndukwe-Ezeanyika, said WIMDI is vested in empowering women journalists through skills and mentorship.
“The theme is Give to Gain and it emphasises the fact that women need to be able to be mentors to younger women, This is our own way of giving back to ensure that women in the media space are empowered in terms of their skills, in terms of the knowledge that they know how to better their work as journalists and media personalities.” she affirmed.
Stakeholders from the media, civil society, and governance present at the convergence were unanimous in the call for stronger mentorship, equity, and policy support to advance women in the media sector.