Female media executives have unveiled bold strategies to advance gender-inclusive democratic reporting, setting a transformative agenda for women’s empowerment in Nigerian journalism.
This outcome emerged from a consultative session organized by the International Press Centre (IPC) with support from the European Union through the EU Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria – Phase 2 (EUSDGN II) programme.
The one-day event brought together NAWOJ leadership, editors, senior reporters, and producers from print, broadcast, and online media to address critical challenges and chart a path for inclusive journalism. The session focused on equipping female journalists with tools to amplify women’s political participation and promote gender-sensitive reporting, aiming to reshape Nigeria’s democratic landscape through solution-driven journalism.
Mr. Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of IPC, opened the session by emphasizing the vital role women journalists play in reinforcing Nigeria’s democratic process. “Female journalists are not only storytellers, they are change agents. Our goal is to equip them with the tools and opportunities to make women’s voices heard and their issues visible,” Arogundade stated.
Representing NAWOJ’s National Chairperson Hajiya Aisha Ibrahim, Deputy National Chairperson Dr. Lilian Okonkwo-Ogabu applauded the IPC for its continuous engagement with women in media. She reiterated NAWOJ’s commitment to collaborative action, saying, “Empowering women journalists is a direct investment in a more inclusive democracy.”
Dr. Titilayo Osuagwu, a senior lecturer at the University of Port Harcourt, presented a roadmap for media-led advocacy on electoral reforms. In her paper, “Utilizing Media Power to Promote Electoral Outcomes & Reforms Addressing Women’s Issues,” she urged journalists to report with gender sensitivity.
“We must tell stories that reflect women’s realities and possibilities. The media can redefine what political success looks like for Nigerian women,” she said.
The forum also provided space for reflection on persistent challenges facing female journalists. Participants identified key issues such as gender bias, lack of mentorship, fear of retaliation, and inadequate professional training as barriers to advancement. Notably, they pointed to a shortage of support systems for women pursuing political journalism and a prevailing culture that undermines women’s leadership aspirations.
Concerns were also raised about the invisibility of female politicians, stemming from cultural taboos and limited access to media platforms.
“Too often, women shy away from media engagement due to societal pressures. We must dismantle these barriers to ensure women’s voices are not just heard but amplified,” a participant noted.
In response, a series of strategic recommendations emerged from the meeting, which include the need for IPC and NAWOJ to create platforms that connect female journalists and elected women officials, encourage documentation and monitoring of gender-relate campaign promises, and deploy storytelling to shift public perception toward supporting women in politics.
The session also advocated for continuous professional development. NAWOJ was urged to promote online training modules and mentorship programs, while IPC was encouraged to launch virtual training platforms in partnership with the Centre for Media and Society. “Mentorship is not a favor; it’s a necessity. We must create a culture where experience is passed on deliberately,” Dr. Okonkwo-Ogabu emphasized.
Participants further proposed advocacy for legislative reforms, such as reserved seats for women and independent candidacy. Awareness campaigns bearing empowering messages like “I Can, We Can” were also recommened to boost women’s confidence and visibility in public life.
The communiqué concluded with a call for multi-stakeholder collaboration involving CSOs, media bodies, and security agencies to ensure women’s safety in political participation, and the establishment of reward systems to recognize outstanding female leaders.
Ultimately, the gathering reinforced the shared commitment to pushing for policy and legal reforms that prioritize equity and inclusive representation.
“This is not just about journalism. It’s about shaping a society where every voice counts, equally.” Mr Arogundade said.