By Fauziyya Lawal, Katsina
A four day training workshop aimed at building the capacity of women journalists for effective participation in Nigeria’s democratic processes has been held in Sokoto State.
The workshop, organised by Humint in partnership with the Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA) and the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), was supported by the MacArthur Foundation.
The theme of the event was “The Role of Women Journalists in the Reforms of the Democratic Processes in Nigeria.”
The training brought together women journalists from various parts of the country to discuss their roles in fostering electoral reforms, enhancing political participation, and promoting inclusive governance.
In his keynote address titled “The Media, Women and the Democratic Processes: The Challenges and Prospects of Political Reforms in Nigeria,” Professor Jibrin Ibrahim, Chairman of the Editorial Board, Premium Times, underscored the importance of women in media as agents of change in Nigeria’s democratic landscape. He noted that genuine political reform in the country requires the active engagement of all citizens, particularly women in the media who have the power to shape public discourse.
Also speaking at the event, Fatima Abbas Hassan, former General Manager, NTA Abuja, presented a paper on “The Contributions of Female Journalists to Media Advocacy for Electoral Reforms in Nigeria.” She highlighted the strides made by female journalists in advocating for free and fair elections and called for increased support for women in the profession to ensure their voices are heard in key policy debates.
Goodwill messages were delivered by dignitaries and traditional leaders, including His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto, who was represented by Umar Sani Jabbi, Sarkin Yakin Gaggi. He commended the initiative and stressed the critical role of women in leadership, governance, and nation building.
