FG, NAWOJ Train 100 Female Journalists to Boost Gender Representation in Newsrooms

By Zainab Uzomah

The Federal Government and the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), FCT Chapter, have trained 100 female journalists to strengthen women’s visibility and leadership in Nigerian newsrooms.

According to Nigerian Women Journalists NAWOJ, Abuja; the one-day capacity-building programme, hosted by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), focused on “Workplace Diversification: Advancing Female Journalists’ Role in the Newsroom.” Participants received training in leadership, digital skills, mobile journalism, artificial intelligence tools and work–life balance.

Head of the Civil Service, Didi Esther Walson-Jack, said inclusive newsrooms produce richer national narratives, noting that “when women sit at the table, institutions make better decisions.”

NUJ FCT Chairperson, Grace Ike, urged female journalists to uplift one another by highlighting women’s achievements rather than tearing them down. She challenged them to spotlight women excelling in the field and to serve as advocates for one another in a media space where female voices are often overlooked.

Other speakers, including media leaders Zainab Okino, Eno Lotus and Halima Musa, encouraged journalists to challenge stereotypes, embrace leadership roles and use data-driven reporting to amplify women’s voices in politics, governance and society.

The initiative is part of NAWOJ’s efforts to increase women’s participation in media leadership and close gender gaps in editorial decision-making across the industry.