By Aisha Gambo


The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has urged
women journalists to take leading role in promoting child protection and amplifying the voices of vulnerable children in Nigeria.

The UNICEF Chief of Field Office in Kaduna, Mrs Gerida Birukila, made the call at a two-day workshop on Child Sensitive Reporting for Women Journalists in Kaduna.

Organised by the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Kaduna chapter, in collaboration with UNICEF, the workshop was aimed at empowering women journalists to become advocates for children and social change.

Birukila, who was represented by Dr Willy Mamah, a Child Protection Specialist with the fund,
said that the country was currently facing critical situation in child protection and survival.

She identified poverty, insecurity and harmful socio-cultural norms as the major challenges affecting children’s wellbeing across the country.

She urged women journalists to use their platforms to challenge harmful stereotypes, raise awareness and advocate for the rights of children.

She added that “many children are unable to speak out due to cultural restrictions. As journalists, you are in a position to amplify their voices and hold perpetrators accountable.”

Earlier, the Kaduna State Commissioner for Information, Ahmed Maiyaki, said there was need for journalists to adopt child-sensitive reporting techniques to protect the dignity, safety and future of children.

Represented by the Director, Media Relations and Citizens Engagement, Yunusa Muhammad, the commissioner commended the organisers of the workshop, describing it as essential in promoting ethical and responsible journalism.

According to him, child-sensitive reporting remains a powerful tool for social change, as it brings attention to critical issues such as education, health and child protection.

“When we report on children, we are not just reporting on subjects; we are guardians of their dignity, safety and their future.

“We look up to you to hold us accountable, but we also expect you to report with care and sensitivity, especially on vulnerable groups like children.”