COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE END OF A TWO-DAY CAPACITY BUILDING FOR THE NIGERIA ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN JOURNALISTS IN THE PROMOTION OF GENDER AND CONFLICT-RESPONSIVE SENSITIVE ACTIONS HELD IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF BUTTERFLY HOTEL, KADUNA ON THE 26^TH AND 27^TH OF JUNE 2024

Preamble

CLEEN Foundation, with support from UN Women and the Kaduna State government, organized a two-day capacity-building workshop for the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists to promote gender-responsive and conflict-sensitive action in Kaduna State. The two-day capacity-building workshop was a significant step towards empowering women journalists in the Northwest and North Central. By enhancing their gender-responsive and conflict-sensitive reporting skills, the workshop contributed to the broader goal of promoting peace and gender equality in the North. Participants left the workshop inspired and equipped to make a positive impact through their journalism.

Objectives:

1. To build the capacity of women journalists in gender-responsive reporting.
2. To enhance the understanding of conflict-sensitive journalism among participants.
3. To foster a network of women journalists committed to promoting peace and gender equality through their work.

Key Activities:

1. Workshops and Training Sessions: Participants engaged in interactive sessions on gender issues, conflict resolution, and the role of media in promoting peace.
2. Case Studies and Group Discussions: Real-life scenarios and group activities illustrated the principles of gender-responsive and conflict-sensitive journalism.
3. Expert Lectures: Renowned experts in gender studies and conflict resolution shared insights and best practices.

Observations

1. The terrain of investigating and reporting root causes of conflicts and gender-based violence has become a theatre of threats to women journalists.
2. Women journalists, especially those reporting on sensitive bits, frequently encounter harassment, intimidation, and even physical threats both online and in the field.
3. Women journalists lack adequate knowledge and trends on the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR1325) which addresses the impacts of war on women and the importance of women’s full and equal participation in conflict resolution, peacebuilding, peacekeeping, and humanitarian response and post-conflict reconstruction.
4. Existing laws within the security sectors that undermine women (NPF order No.430/81, NSCDC Section 2.5 condition of service. The Armed Forces Act, Section 5) were considered a major setback to the elevation of the female folks within the security parlance.
5. Media practitioners, especially women, are vulnerable and often lack adequate protection from their organizations and the umbrella association itself due to the absence of policies and frameworks to protect them.
6. Women journalists often face discrimination in the workplace such as being passed over for assignment or promotion in favor of their male counterparts.
7. There is a deliberate repression of women media practitioners’ voices by political elites.
8. A campaign for inclusion and the critical part of inclusion is having the NAWOJ  have strong financial inclusion by setting up a Trust Fund.

Recommendations

1. Media freedom begins when media organizations and NAWOJ implement robust safety measures to protect women journalists from harassment, violence, and threats, particularly when investigating sensitive issues.
2. Media organizations and NAWOJ should provide institutional support for conflict and gender-sensitive reporting, including de-commercializing related news items, equipping women journalists with state-of-the-art infrastructure that reduces their exposure to threats, and providing adequate protection measures for women journalists.
3. NAWOJ sought UN Women’s kindly support of special training sessions, particularly to educate women journalists about UNSCR 1325 and its implications for conflict resolution, peacebuilding, peacekeeping, humanitarian response, and post-conflict reconstruction.
4. NAWOJ is committed to undertaking advocacy and reforms to review and amend discriminatory laws within the security sectors to promote the elevation and equal treatment of women.
5. There is a need for stronger institutional support from NAWOJ and the various media platforms to ensure the safety and well-being of women journalists by designing safeguarding policies, safety and security protocols as well as the enforcement of its sanctions.
6. Media organizations and NAWOJ should eliminate discriminatory practices and ensure that women journalists have equal opportunities for assignments and promotions.
7. NAWOJ is committed to working with oversight agencies such as the parliaments at various levels to stem the tide and address and combat the deliberate repression of women media practitioners’ voices by political elites.
8. NAWOJ, at the state level, should establish a Trust Fund to assist the less privileged ones, among them members who undergo emotional trauma, capacity building, and other initiatives.

Conclusion:

Women are the face of poverty in a conflict situation, and they are the biggest victims. It is the woman who will not run away without picking up her child. Their stories must be framed constructively, strategically, and responsive to influence responsive actions from the state actors.

Signature:

NAWOJ National President

NAWOJ National Vice President

NAWOJ National Auditor

NAWOJ Kaduna State Chairperson

NAWOJ Zonal Auditor