NAWOJ makes case for gender equality, equity

Abimbola Abatta

To engender national development, the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) in collaboration with Norwegian Journalist has underscored the need for gender equality and equity.

National President of NAWOJ, Comrade Ladi Bala, disclosed this recently in Abakaliki during a three-day Training for Female Journalists on Gender Equality and Safety in Workplaces.

Nigerian NewsDirect reports that the training featured media executives and intensive lectures by resource persons on combating sexual harassment in work place, safety in the field, dealing with gender stereotypes and objectives of gender sensitive reporting.

Bala emphasised that allowing more women in positions would add value to governance and promote national development.

She also stated that intensive training and continuous sensitisation of the general public toward tackling stereotypes in the society would change negative orientations and enhanced development.

Bala encouraged all female journalists to always be ready to report any forms of harassment against them in work places.

“Be dedicated to your duties at all times and ensure gender sensitive reporting is implemented to guarantee development,” Bala said.

Meanwhile, Wife of the Governor of Ebonyi, Mrs Rachael Umahi  said that a lot needs to be done concerning public’s perception on issues on gender equality and equity.

Umahi, who was represented by her Special Assistant on Welfare Matters, Mrs Patience Offor, urged women to support one another for development.

She acknowledged that the programme was apt and assured her support and willingness to treat matters brought to her urgently.

On her part, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Ebonyi, Mrs Deborah Okah, maintained that the training was apt for a violence free society.