Oyo Women Commissioner Tasks Journalists To Embrace Gender Safe Reportage
…as NAWOJ Commences a 3-day capacity building for members
The Association of Women Journalists ( NAWOJ), Oyo State, on Tuesday, commenced a three -day training for women journalists in the state on Gender Equity and Safety/ Gender Sensitive Reporting.
The training held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Hall, Iyaganku, Ibadan is in collaboration with the Norwegian Union of Journalists.
Declaring the workshop open, the Oyo State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Hon.Mrs. Toyin Balogun called on journalists to promote gender safe reporting in their reportage .
The Commissioner, who spoke through the Director of Women Programs , Mr.Ogunjimi Olutoye Diya , harped on the need for journalists to get to the roots of matter while on the field and ensure reports to be published or disseminated did not harm anyone.
She lauded the leadership of NAWOJ and her partner for complementing the efforts of the Governor Seyi Makinde led administration in ensuring the safety of women and gender equality in the state, adding that the government will not hesitate to collaborate with willing organizations and individuals in championing the course on gender balance and equity.
The Commissioner tasked journalists in the state to further enlighten the public on the need to protect the women and also give both sex equal opportunities to unlock their potential.
In her remarks, the National President of NAWOJ, Mrs Aisha Bura, ably represented by the Vice President, South West Zone, Mrs Adeola Adekunle charged Journalists on the need to get more sensitized on their right to equity and equality without any form of bias in the discharge of duties.
While delivering a lecture on Gender Issue and equity, one of the trainers, Mrs Veronica Ogbole emphasized the importance of gender balance and equity as an integral part of a healthy society.
Adding that, gender bias and inequality are detrimental to healthy reportage and societal growth.
Mrs .Veronica Ogbole noted that a campaign plan will be developed at the end of the training in accordance with challenges facing each participant at the place of work .
Earlier in her welcome address, the NAWOJ Chairperson, Comrade Omolola Alamu emphasized that the training was organized to sensitize and address challenges confronting female journalists in their various places of work and proffer steps to be taken to reduce or put an end to the menace.
She identified sexual harassment as part of the challenges which she said affects the output of female journalists, while many decided not to build their career in the industry.
She added that it was essential for women journalists to have access to an environment where they can work without fear or favour, saying this will enable them to perform optimally.
The training attended by members from various chapels continues tomorrow at the same venue.
