Stakeholders on Saturday, charged the Nigeria Association of Female Journalists (NAWOJ) to increase advocacy against Gender Based Violence (GBV) and harmful traditional practises impacting women and girls.
They issued the call during the 11th triennial National Delegates Conference in Abuja, which was themed โUnite! Activism to End Violence Against Women and Girls: The Role of the Media.โ
Mrs. Ene Obi, former Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, stressed the importance of the media in reducing GBV, harmful traditional practises, and other problems afflicting the country.
โThe role of the media is a profound one and unwavering commitment to be able to change some of the perspectives about GBV.
โWe need to adhere to some reporting guidelines in reporting GBV; we should avoid issues of sensationalism and victims blaming, there is a lot we need to do to bring the messages out,โ she said.
Mr Chris Isiguzo, President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), urged members of the organisation to band together and focus on the organizationโs rebuilding, peace, and progress.
โBitterness, rancour and acrimony can only give birth to retrogression. Let us embrace a new chapter characterised by collaboration, understanding and shared goals.
โOur collective strength lies in unity and together we can overcome challenges and usher in an era of unprecedented success for NAWOJ,โ he said.