EU, German Govt, Others Advocate For Female Gender Responsive Reporting By Journalists In North East

*Call for more female political actors news reporting

By; SÀDIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri

Following low percentage of news reporting on female political actors in power and influential activists according Prof. Woke Soyinka international Investigative Institute in 2024, the European Union, with support from the Government of Germany, has organized a four-day capacity-building workshop for journalists in Maiduguri which was implemented by GIZ in collaboration with dRPC.

The workshop trained about 50 media stakeholders form the print, broadcast, online and social media as well as institutions drawn from Borno State from Tuesday to Friday with facilitators from department of Research Projects Center (dRPC) and Mas Communication Department, University of Maiduguri with support from German Government and co-founded by the European Union (EU).

The facilitators called on media practitioners to improve on female political actors news coverage and change the narrative of women political actors contesting elections at all the three tiers of government to promote and encourage participation, protection and resilience of women in politics in their reportage.

They highlighted on the vital role of the media in politics and society as shapers of public opinion, builders and promoters of peace building and democracy as well as moulders and influencers of policy makers decisions and agenda setters in the society through their media programmes.

The facilitators further urged the media practitioners to always emphasize of the capacity and intelligence of female political actors and elevate and support the womenfolk during elections to contest elections through the content of media inclusive responsive reporting, especially, at the grassroots in promoting transparency and accountability in governance and legislations.

They also elaborated on the significant role women play in the society as mothers , home builders and peacemakers that those in political and leadership positions have proved their competence and capabilities at various positions and levels of governance.

Reiterating that as Councillors, chairpersons, legislators directors, secretaries , advisers, administrators and even deputy Governors, women deserve support from their husbands , media and males to continue to contribute their quota in the society and governance.