The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation(UNESCO) has engaged journalists on the rules of reporting gender based violence.
The training, which took place at The Dover Hotels, Lagos, Wednesday, was aimed at bringing an end to violence against women and girls in Nigeria.
The training drew journalists from five states of the federation; Ebonyi, Adamawa, Cross River, Sokoto, Lagos and FCT and were captured on the theme; Sensitive Reporting and Investigative Journalism on Gender Based Violence.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Franca Attoh, a university don,said journalism should be a veritable tool to impel development as journalists are watchdogs that protect the citizenry from the antics of politicians in the society.
While treating a topic on “Journalism, Development and Ethical Issues, Dr. Franca who also is an associate professor, department of sociology, faculty of social sciences, University of Lagos, noted that journalists needed to be creative in the midst of challenges in order to overcome the hurdles in the profession,stressing that the society looked forward to the media for positive change.
In his remark,the chairman Nigeria Union of Journalists, Lagos state council, Dr. Qasim Akinreti, noted that the media in Nigeria focused more on national issues such as politics and urged journalists to bring in full developmental journalism by redirecting their reportage to communities and human interest issues.
Also,Mrs Adeola Ekine, NAWOJ chairperson, Lagos state chapter, urged UNESCO not to relent in its effort to support issues that affect women and girls @because they are the nation builders.”
She said,”It is with pleasure that I received the invite on behalf of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Lagos chapter to partake in this illuminating and instructive workshop that seeks to proffer solutions to Violence Against Women and Girls and Access to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights.
“I appreciate the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) for organising such forum to increase more awareness and promote the activeness of journalists on the thrust of the workshop; which is Sensitive Investigative journalism on gender – sensitive reportage towards reducing or possibly eradicating the menace.
“I am optimistic that the knowledge that would be derived from the workshop would equip and enable the participants who happens to be members of the fourth estate of the realm and agenda setters to champion constructive reports and editorials that would propel legislations that increases the access of women and girls to sexual reproductive health and rights and also eliminate violence against women.
“NAWOJ, as the female wing of the journalists union promises her unflinching support for UNESCO and other relevant bodies to fight against the cankerworm bedevilling our sisters, mothers and girl child,” she said.
