NAWOJ FCT Partners German Embassy to Strengthen Women Journalists’ Capacity in Gender-Sensitive Reporting

NAWOJ FCT Partners German Embassy to Strengthen Women Journalists’ Capacity in Gender-Sensitive Reporting

The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter, in partnership with the German Embassy, has conducted a capacity-building training for women journalists on investigative and gender-sensitive reporting. The initiative forms part of activities marking International Women’s Day 2026.

Speaking at the training held in Abuja, Chairperson of NAWOJ FCT, Comrade Bassey Ita Ikpang, said the programme was designed to equip female journalists with essential skills in investigative reporting, ethical journalism, gender-sensitive storytelling, and leadership.

She stressed the importance of empowering women journalists to shape public discourse, promote accountability, and drive meaningful social change.

“At a time when the media plays a pivotal role in shaping public discourse, it is essential that women journalists are not only visible but also empowered to influence narratives and promote accountability,” she said.

Ikpang described the initiative as a strategic effort to build a strong, informed, and resilient network of women journalists who can serve as agents of change. She reaffirmed NAWOJ FCT’s commitment to ethical journalism, women’s leadership, and national development, while also appreciating the German Embassy for its support in advancing gender equality, media development, and democratic governance.

Representing the German Embassy, its Spokesperson, Mr. Felix Haala, said the collaboration aims to strengthen the capacity of female journalists and amplify their voices within Nigeria’s media landscape.

“Nigeria has a large media space with many talented women journalists. Strengthening their capacity and networks will ensure their voices are heard. Without female journalists, there is no development,” Haala noted.

In her keynote address, NAWOJ National President, Comrade Aisha Ibrahim, urged women journalists to go beyond storytelling and become advocates for truth, bridge-builders, and drivers of societal transformation.

She described the partnership between the German Embassy and NAWOJ FCT as commendable, assuring that the national body would continue to support initiatives that promote women’s development.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, represented by the Council’s Treasurer, Comrade Sandra Chukwugekwu, reaffirmed the union’s commitment to professionalism, inclusivity, and continuous capacity building.

She commended the NAWOJ FCT leadership for organising the training and described the collaboration with the German Embassy as impactful and sustainable.

“As journalists, we are not just observers of society; we are active contributors to democratic governance and social change. When women journalists are empowered, the entire society benefits,” she said.

Delivering a paper presentation, the CEO of Valor Communications, Dr. Lemmy Ughegbe, emphasised the need for journalists to embrace investigative reporting and verify digitally sourced information to combat misinformation and fake news.

“No matter the pressure, the golden rule remains: when in doubt, leave it out,” he advised.

Also presenting, former NAWOJ National President, Comrade Ladi Bala, encouraged participants to act as agents of change, support one another in leadership, and apply a gender lens in reporting to enhance women’s visibility in the media.

She noted that women remain underrepresented in media narratives and called for more inclusive and justice-driven reporting.

“The issues of justice, rights, and action are also critical in the media space. Women are still grossly marginalised in reportage, particularly in gender-focused reporting,” she said.

Participants described the training as insightful and impactful, noting that the knowledge gained would significantly enhance their professional practice and storytelling approach.