As part of efforts to deepen democratic engagement and amplify women’s voices in Nigeria’s political space, the International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos, is set to host a series of high-level consultative forums targeting female media professionals.
Supported by the European Union (EU) under its Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria Phase II (EU-SDGN II) programme, the engagement seeks to enhance the professionalism of female journalists in covering women-related issues during elections, governance, and democratic processes.
One session of the forum was held in Port Harcourt on Saturday, May 24, 2025, while another will take place in Abuja on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.
Executive Director of IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, said the forums are designed to promote collaborative strategies that enhance female representation in the media and politics alike.
“At the heart of these consultations is our commitment to exploring innovative, solutions-driven approaches that will amplify women’s voices in the media, especially in the context of elections and political participation,” Arogundade stated.
According to him, the IPC is bringing together female editors, producers, presenters, and senior media executives across print, broadcast, and online platforms, alongside national leaders of NAWOJ and GOCOP, to ensure the initiative has far-reaching impact.
“These forums will also focus on how women journalists can take a more active role in advocating for the representation of women in politics and governance. Journalism must be seen not only as a profession but as a strategic tool for influencing public discourse and shaping policy outcomes,” he said.
Expected outcomes from the engagements include strategic frameworks for ongoing collaboration, performance benchmarks, and formal Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to guide implementation.
Arogundade added that the forums form part of IPC’s broader strategy to position women journalists as catalysts for gender empowerment and inclusive political participation, particularly as the country moves beyond the 2023 general elections and prepares for 2027.
Participants will deliberate on practical approaches to elevate the role of women journalists in amplifying women’s voices, advocating for equitable representation, and influencing governance outcomes at all levels.
The engagement was organised in collaboration with the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) and the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP).
The EU-SDGN II programme, which supports institutions like INEC, the National Assembly, the Judiciary, political parties, civil society, and the media, underscores the European Union’s commitment to building a pluralistic and inclusive democracy in Nigeria.