The call for deliberate actions to promote gender equity in media management took centre stage at a one-day media engagement organised by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) in collaboration with the management of Radio Nigeria.
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‎The event, held at the National Broadcast Academy, GRA Ikeja, Lagos, was convened by Mrs. Bilkis Abdulraheem-Lawal, a fellow-in-training under the Centre’s Female Reporters Leadership Programme and a staff member of Bond FM, Lagos.
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‎Veteran journalist and Publisher of Security News Alert, Mrs. Juliana Ebere Francis, in her presentation titled “Women in Leadership: Visibility in Newsrooms and On Air”, argued that women possess the strength and competence to hold prominent editorial positions. Mrs. Francis called on media owners to introduce gender-balanced policies and provide a conducive work environment that includes flexible schedules and protection against workplace harassment, bullying, and molestation.
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‎In his keynote presentation titled “Not Just Victims: Expanding the Portrayal of Women in News Coverage”, Executive Director of the Media Career Development Network, Mr. Lekan Otufodunrin, emphasised the need for women in journalism to acquire leadership skills through personal development and training.
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‎ Mr. Otufodunrin urged media practitioners to take intentional steps to close the gender gap and to ensure female journalists are consistently visible and heard in public discourse and leadership roles.
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‎Also speaking at the event, Director of Academic Planning at the National Broadcast Academy and member of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Princess Wuraola Adegoke, described the engagement as a rejuvenating refresher session. She encouraged women in media to remain hardworking and dedicated to their duties as a pathway to professional growth.
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‎Princess Adegoke highlighted the Academy’s commitment to promoting gender inclusivity, including adding gender studies to their curriculum, implementing a mentorship program and plans to feature successful women in a project, sharing their stories and experiences.
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‎Earlier in her remark, convener of the programme, Mrs. Bilkis Abdulraheem-Lawal, stated that the workshop aimed to foster strong advocacy for affirmative action and provide female journalists with greater opportunities to lead and thrive in the industry. She noted that the session was part of her fellowship project under the WSCIJ.
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‎The workshop drew participation from senior management, staff, and interns of Radio Nigeria Lagos operations and the National Broadcast Academy. It concluded with a shared commitment to championing gender equality and creating inclusive leadership pathways for women in the Nigerian media landscape.
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