The need for more attention to be paid to issues concerning person's with Disability has again been brought to the fore at a one day workshop on Accountability in Governance for Reporters and Editors. Gender Strategy Advancement International (GSAI), an NGO for Journalists.
Adaora Sydney-Jack, the Executive Director, Gender Strategy Advancement International (GSAI), while speaking task Journalists to hold government and other stakeholders accountable for issues of gender inclusivity, especially for Persons With Disability (PWDs), women and girls.
Jack while underscoring the importance of promoting equal rights and opportunities to change the narratives, harp on the need to cultivate culture that values and celebrates inclusion.
“Over the years, GSAI has been at the forefront of advocacy for increased women’s participation in governance, gender-friendly policies and amplifying women’s voices in the civic space.
“GSAI’s mission is centred on five pillars; gender advocacy, accountability, gender justice, gender driven research, and partnership, aiming to position women’s rights as a national priority through the powerful tool of media.
“We gather here for a crucial purpose that involves the inclusive training of 40 reporters and editors from across the country.
“The core objective of this training include to increased reportage and editorials on the performance and shortcomings of the government from a gender accountability perspective.
“This will empower media professionals to independently promote and advance women’s rights, gender accountability and hold the government accountable for its actions,” she said.
"Through these collective efforts, we aim to ensure that gender accountability takes centre stage. We will achieve this by reporting on stories that shine a spotlight on disparities, discrimination, and injustices faced by marginalized communities. By amplifying these narratives, we can challenge societal norms, break down barriers, and inspire action toward a fairer and more inclusive world.The journey ahead is challenging, but it is one that promises to have a lasting impact. We are here to make a difference, and your dedication to this cause is greatly appreciated. Together, as journalists and media professionals, we can create a more equitable future, where gender accountability is not just an aspiration but a reality"
The workshop according to her is expected to encourage and support story Projects and reports that shed light on the lapses in the performance of public office holders, and the political and economic performance of Nigeria.
On his part, the FCT Chairman, Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Patrick Osadebamwen harped on the role of media in highlighting women’s issues and gender inclusivity.
Osadebamwen, represented by his deputy, Timothy Choji, said: “The training sessions are skewed to open your eyes and storytelling mind to see the lapses in genuinely designed policies and programme of government national or subnational that would need to be tweaked for good.”
Mr Dele Atunbi, a Legal Practitioner and Head of Judiciary Desk, Nigerian Television Authority, (NTA), stressed the need for the government to provide enabling environment for gender equality. “Government should be held accountable and responsible for issues on women and children,” he said.
The need for the media to adhere to the ethics of the profession, when reporting gender related matters was also highlighted by Dr Inya Ode, A gender advocate and media personality. She charge the media to use their platforms in sensitizing the public on eliminating stereotypes against person's with Disabilitied, (PWDs)
“Our stories should engender positive change in the society and as gatekeepers in the field, we should readily inform and cause positive transformation,” she charged.
Ms Susan Ihuoma, one of the facilitators, said: “Let’s make Nigeria a place where disability inclusion is the norm and women of all abilities can thrive and contribute to our nation’s growth and prosperity.Together, we can turn this vision into a reality.”
The training was organized by GSAI and the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) under the Gender Accountability and Inclusivity in Nigeria (GAIN) project in Abuja.
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