by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
In a two days’ workshop organized by CLEEN Foundation (for the media), it was observed that “Journalism has the power to challenge gender stereotypes, amplify women’s voices, and shape more inclusive narratives that reflect the diverse realities of society.”
This assertion was made by Executive Director of CLEEN Foundation, Gad Peter, while delivering a Paper at the workshop, which held on Monday at Crispan Hotel Jos, with a theme: ‘Empowering Women Media Practitioners in Nigeria, Promoting Gender-Responsive Action Reportage, Promoting of Gender Equality.’
According to him, “Women Media Practitioners in Nigeria play a crucial role in driving gender-responsive actions, coverage, and reportage, particularly in fragile contexts, and their efforts contribute to the empowerment of women and the promoting of gender equality.
“Media plays a key role in shaping public attitudes, including perceptions about women and men. Despite being comprised of an almost equal number of women and men, the world seen in the news media reinforces stereotypes about masculinity and femininity,” Gad Peter stated.
He stressed that, “Women are only the subject of approximately a quarter of all reporting, and more often than not their stories reflect strong gender stereotypes.
“In the media at large, women are often used as an instrument to meet the male demand, as seen in the regular commodification of women in advertising. Gender-sensitive reporting shuns stereotypes that limit and trivialize women and men to present an accurate portrait of the world and its possibilities.
“Although, it is challenging to resist the pervasive, casual stereotypes that see women as ‘child carers’ or ‘sexual objects,’ it is critical for journalism to produce complete and diverse coverage that accurately mirrors our societies,” he stated.
He noted, also that, “Stereotypes reflect a mental block not only in terms of what society may expect from women and men, but also – more seriously – in terms of what women and men may expect from themselves, adding that, “There is the need to balance the presence of women and men in media coverage to mirror the society, human experiences, actions, views and concerns.”
The Executive Director equally urged the Media Institution to avoid gender stereotypes that do not mirror the world and its possibilities and perpetuate a bi-dimensional portray of the society.
The institution, he added, should “weigh the representation of women and men, making sure to give equal voice to women, including as experts, in often male-dominated areas – such as politics and government, economic and business, war and conflicts, science and technology, sports, and the use of gender-sensitive language,” he noted.
He encouraged media organizations to develop, and implement, gender-sensitive policies, such as equal employment opportunities, anti-harassment measures, and family-friendly work arrangements.
Gad Peter also advocated for the establishment of mentorship programs that pair experienced women journalists with aspiring practitioners to provide guidance, support, and opportunities for skill development in areas such as investigative reporting, crisis coverage, and leadership.
He called on the media to actively identify and empower qualified women to take on leadership positions within media organizations, such as editors, news directors, and executive producers, to serve as role models and champion gender-responsive coverage.
The Executive Director further encouraged media practitioners to actively seek out diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences in their reporting, ensuring that women’s stories and experiences are reflected in the news and that gender-related issues are covered with nuance and sensitivity.
According to him, “This will foster collaboration and networking opportunities among women media practitioners, both within Nigeria and across the region, to share best practices, learn from one another, and build a strong support system.”
He explained that, “The key takeaways from this presentation highlight the critical importance of continued efforts to promote gender-responsive actions, coverage, and reportage in fragile contexts like Nigeria.
“By empowering women media practitioners, it is essential for ensuring diverse perspectives and equitable representation in news coverage, which can help address the unique challenges and vulnerabilities faced by women in these fragile environments,” he stated.
Also, the Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere, said “There is the need for media to focus more on issues of woman, and the media should see the women as “strategy partners” in building the society. That is what the government is gearing towards. Women are strategies partners in developing of every society.”
He stated also that, “When you entrusted your resources in an extent hand of a woman and you are sure you are protected; so, if you entrust the security of every community to a woman, it is protected. Even the resources of the state, you can be ensure that there will be development.
“That is why Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has deployed women of integrity to serve in his cabinet. You will recall the Deputy Governor is a woman, the Accountant-General is a woman and Commissioner of Finance is a woman and many of them like that,” he stated, adding that, “It is because of the trust and confidence that the governor has on women, and that is why they are occupying executive and sensitive positions.”