By Rakiya A.Muhammad
Comrade Aisha K. Ibrahim, National Chairperson, Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), has underscored the need to enhance collaboration in raising awareness and advancing solutions on issues affecting women and girls.
She stated this during a two-day workshop on “Capacity Building in the Promotion of Gender Responsive and Conflict-Sensitive Actions, Coverage, and Reportage in Fragile Context,” held in Kaduna State.
The CLEEN Foundation organised the event with support from UNWomen , the Norwegian Embassy and the Kaduna State Government.
Vice Chairperson NAWOJ Zone D, Chizoba Ogbeche, on behalf of Comrade Aisha, expressed gratitude to the Kaduna State Government, led by Governor Uba Sani, and applauded Hajiya Rabi Salisu, Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Human Services and Social Development, for facilitating the training.
She pushed for more cooperation in addressing various areas of concern regarding women and girls.
The National Chairperson noted the value of training and retraining women journalists, noting that it would boost their professional capacities and equip them with essential life skills.
In her remarks, Commissioner Hajiya Rabi Salisu urged women journalists in the country to continue promoting the cause of peace through their reporting.
She emphasised unity and social cohesiveness, encouraging women journalists to see themselves as peace advocates and ambassadors.
The commissioner implored them to contribute to dispute mediation and settlement through their reporting styles and the editorial content of their news in the media.
She disclosed that during the first year of his administration, Governor Uba Sani made significant investments in women’s development and in fostering cultural and social interaction and cohesion to mitigate issues of conflict in the state.
Mr Gad Peter, Executive Director of the CLEEN Foundation, highlighted in his opening speech the unique perspectives and invaluable insights that women journalists offer, particularly in reporting and comprehending conflicts.
The Executive Director, represented by Mrs Justina Johnson, the organisation’s Admin and Finance Manager, said the programme’s objective was to explore the principles of conflict-sensitive journalism and mediation, emphasising the unique challenges and opportunities faced by women in the field.
After the workshop, participants, led by NAWOJ National Secretary Wasila Ladan, paid a courtesy visit to the Honourable Commissioner, Hajiya Rabi Salisu, at the Ministry of Human Services and Social Development.
