By Rakiya A.Muhammad
The CLEEN Foundation has enhanced the capacity of women journalists to cover conflicts, urging them to make a positive difference through their reporting.
“As women in media, your reporting can shape narratives, influence public opinion, and contribute significantly to conflict resolution and peacebuilding,” pointed out Mr Gad Peter, Executive Director of the CLEEN Foundation.
“Let us embrace this responsibility with dedication and passion. Let us use this workshop as a steppingstone to enhance our professional capabilities and make a positive difference through our work.”
He stated this in an opening remark at the 2-day workshop on ‘Capacity Building in Promotion of Gender Responsive and Conflicts Sensitive Actions, Coverage and Reportage in Fragile Context’ held in Kaduna.
The workshop was organised by the CLEEN Foundation in collaboration with the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), with support from UNWomen, the Norwegian Embassy, and the Kaduna State Government.
Mr. Gad, who was represented by Mrs Justina Johnson, Admin and Finance Manager, CLEEN Foundation, stressed the significance of women media practitioners’ voices in ensuring that coverage is not only accurate and responsible but also empathetic and inclusive.
He also highlighted the potential far-reaching effects of responsible journalism.
Comprehending the complex mechanics of conflicts, he pointed out, would enable journalists to report in a way that fosters peace and empathy.
The workshop delved into the principles of conflict-sensitive journalism and mediation, focusing particularly on the distinct problems and opportunities encountered by women in this profession.
It included interactive sessions, practical exercises, and real-world case studies to provide participants with the necessary skills for responsible and successful reporting on conflicts.
The programme, which also offered a rare chance to establish a network of peers dedicated to responsible journalism, featured the exchange of best practices and experiences to improve women journalists’ professional development and help them navigate the challenges of conflict reporting.
A communique issued at the end of the workshop identified challenges women journalists face, including additional barriers to assessing information sources and decision-makers, especially in conservative communities and male-dominated sectors.
It added that women journalists, especially those reporting on sensitive areas, frequently encounter harassment, intimidation, and physical threats both online and in the field.
The recommendations include allowing women journalists to perform their primary duties without fear or obstruction.
The communique also recommended enhanced women’s representation in media leadership and other sectors.
It advised the state chapters of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) to create a support fund as a financial source for some worthy initiatives.
The workshop had in attendance the NAWOJ National Secretary, NAWOJ Vice Chairperson Zone A and Zonal Secretary, Vice Chairperson Zone D and Zonal Secretary, Chair NUJ Kaduna State and all the Chairpersons and Secretaries of Zone A, women mediators, and other stakeholders.
