The Africa Media Development Foundation (AMDF) joins the global community to celebrate the 2020 International Women’s Day as the organization introduces its Women in Media Project to empower female journalists to grow as media professionals.
This is aimed at encouraging them reporting the untold stories of women and mentoring them to become leaders in the news industry, according to the AMDF Programme Coordinator, Sekyen Daddik
Every year, March, 8 is set aside to celebrate women’s achievement in the economic and social sphere while also drawing attention to gender inequality.
The IWD 2020 theme, #EachforEqual emphasizes collective individualism as it recognizes our parts in the whole and the individual actions we can take to challenge stereotypes, fight prejudice and celebrate women’s achievements towards a great impact on the larger society.
The IWD 2020 campaign draws attention to the idea that “Equality is not a women’s issue, but a business issue; as Gender equality is essential for economies and communities to thrive”.
In a statement , the AMDF believes that the campaign which focuses on a gender equal boardroom, government, media coverage, workplaces, sports coverage, and more gender equality in health and wealth , they can all help to bring about change as they raise awareness of bias and speak out against inequality.
“Consequently, as a Media Development organization, AMDF salutes the doggedness of women in the media especially in northern Nigeria who have risen above cultural and religious stereotypes and prejudices to contribute effectively in the media space.
“While celebrating this feat, we enjoin major stakeholders in the media to create enabling environment and provide a leveled playing space for more women to reach their full potentials as media executives in the broadcast, online and the print media space as well.
“We challenge women journalists to rise above sentiments and stereotypes to echo the voices of vulnerable women especially in our communities as the health, economic, and educational status as well as violence against women and girls continues to be worse than that of men and boys.
“The year 2020 stands out for gender equality. It is the 25th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the most celebrated and recognized plan for achieving gender equality in the world. It also marks 10 years since the establishment of UN Women, and the 20th anniversary of the UN Security Council resolution 1325 on women, peace and security.
“The 2020 IWD coincides with AMDF’s launch of its “Women in Media Project” which seeks to provide professional support to women in media; aimed at building their capacity and mentoring young women journalists in leadership towards attaining the zenith of their career as women journalists.
“Representation of women in the journalism workforce remains very low. A report from the International Women’s Media Foundation sampled 522 media companies and revealed an acute gap as women represent only a third of the full-time journalism workforce.
“More disturbing is the minimal representation of women in media leadership positions. Reports indicate that two-thirds of journalism school graduates are women, though many engage in successful reporting careers, few make it into leadership positions.
“In Nigeria, especially in the Northern region, the participation of women in media is dismally low, with a fewer number in leadership positions. This trend is attributed to many factors including; threat to life, gender discrimination, socio-cultural influence and low capacity.
“Consequently, stories about women and the issues affecting women and children remain severely underreported or misrepresented.
“Hence, AMDF remains committed to supporting women in media as the participation of women in the media no doubt also reflects how free and representative the media is.
“We therefore call on government and all stakeholders concerned to provide the necessary support when needed for women to reach their maximum potential in the media, the statement concludes.
