“She Exists”: OISD trains Gombe female journalists on equity, equality opportunities
The Executive Director of Organisation for Innovation and Sustainable Development, Mr Jamilu Yusuf, says the media wields incredible power as it does not merely mirrors the world, but a force that shapes perceptions, influences policy, and molds society’s conscience.
Yusuf stated this at the opening of a three-workshop organised by OISD sponsored by the Public Affairs section of the United States US embassy Abuja, in collaboration with Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), for female journalists in Gombe State under it “She Exists” Promoting equity and equality opportunities for women in media programe at custodian Hotel Gombe.
The OISD Executive Director added that in spite of the important role the media play, women for long have been underrepresented, their voices muted, and their stories left untold hence the training to shatter these barriers, to amplify those voices, and to write a new narrative ;one of gender equity, diversity, and inclusion.
“You are the heartbeat of this initiative. Your presence here demonstrates your unwavering commitment to honing your skills and your determination to be catalysts of change in the media landscape. Your roles as journalists are pivotal, for you are the storytellers, the truth-seekers, and the guardians of our shared narratives. Today, we invest in you, for we recognise that by empowering women in media, we empower our society as a whole,” Yusuf added.
He said the theme of the training “She Exists,” serves as a reminder that women’s existence in media is not just about numbers but about influence, perspective, and the power to shape the world as well as celebrating the unique experiences and insights that women bring to journalism and understanding that promoting equity in the media is not just a woman’s issue but a societal imperative.
He added, “Our aim is not for women to merely exist; it is for them to thrive. To not just be seen but to be heard. To be celebrated not just for their gender but for their talents, their contributions, and their unwavering dedication to the pursuit of truth. Together, we will bridge the gender gap in media, for when women thrive in media, society benefits from a richer, more diverse, and inclusive discourse.”
Yusuf added that journalists have the power to shape perceptions, urging them to be ethical, unbiased, and always guided by the highest standards of journalism.
“let us embrace this opportunity with open hearts and open minds. Let us learn, collaborate, and inspire one another. Let us emerge from this program as champions of equity, champions of truth, and champions of a brighter future,” he said.
Also speaking, Senior Public Affairs Specialist U.S embassy Abuja, Aishah Gambari, said the training is for female journalists in North Eastern Nigeria, and that Gombe state is the third after Adamawa and Taraba states, adding that they hope to also train female journalists in Yobe, Borno and Bauchi States as well.
She said U.S embassy is funding the programme to support women’s empowerment and enhancement across various sectors.
Gambari said the training is to improve capacity of female journalists to amplify voices of women, while calling on participants to stepdown to younger female journalists.
She commended the OISD for the initiative to organise the training.
On his part, Gombe State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Saidu Bappah Malala, described the workshop as apt and timely “as it will train female journalists on modern techniques of reporting and programing,” he said, reminding them of the ethics of the profession.
Malala noted that the training would go a long way in improving their capacity for good outputs in their respective organisations.
Periscope Nigeria reports that the first day featured; Applications of ICT in Modern journalism, Ethics of sexual and gender-based reporting, Reporting women in violent and Conflict situation in Nigerian standards, ethics and equity.
