Nigerian Media Executives endorse memorandum of understanding on promotion of gender equity, women empowerment

The Media Executives in Nigeria have endorsed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the United Nations (UN) Women to promote gender equity and women empowerment in the country at a strategic partnership held in Lagos.

Penpushing reports that the roundtable held on Friday had in attendance representatives of media umbrella bodies and media regulatory institutions based in the South Western region of Nigeria, aimed to bolster media interventions and provide a robust platform for advancing women’s leadership.

The signatories include the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Broadcasting Organization of Nigeria(BON), Nigeria Television Authority(NTA), Punch Newspapers, Guardian newspapers, Nigerian Democratic Report, Raypower FM, Blueprint Newspaper, amongst others.

Penpushing further reports that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing underscores United Nations (UN) Women’s ongoing commitment to advancing women’s roles in leadership within Nigeria, as well as investment in the socio-economic endeavours of Nigerian women to improve the standard of living for women and girls in Nigeria.

The panel discussion titled “The Role of Digital and Mass Media in Promoting Women’s Political Inclusion and Representation in Nigeria’, was moderated by Mrs. Motunrayo Alaka, Executive Director of Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ).

Penpushing also reports that it featured insights from Mr. Dr. Lateef Odegbenle; Mrs. Yewande Iwuoha, General Manager of Raypower; Mrs. Laide Abbas, Assistant Director of News at Nigeria Television Authority (NTA); and Bunkummi Adeaga, Content Creator and Influencer, Chief Executive Officer of Kiekie Television and Social Media Platforms.

The plenary session provided a platform for media executives to offer their perspectives and interventions, where they highlighted key challenges impeding women’s representation in political and economic spheres and explored how media executives and their organizations can address them through targeted media interventions.

Penpushing reports that United Nations (UN) Women’s Country Representative to Nigeria and Economic of West Africa States (ECOWAS), Ms. Beatrice Eyong in her welcome speech, emphasized the organisation’s dedication to bolstering women’s resilience and professional development.

“UN Women believes that investing in women is investing in the very fabric of society. No nation can truly thrive if women are left behind. Our support is grounded in shared values, mutual respect, and a common vision with the Government and people of Nigeria,” she said.

Penpushing also reports that Eyong, however, elaborated on United Nations (UN) Women’s thematic focus areas, including evidence-based advocacy, economic empowerment, capacity-building programmes, policy advisory support, and technical assistance to government and relevant stakeholders to advance gender justice and women’s empowerment.

“It is in alignment with SDG Goal 5, Target 5.5, which seeks to ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making’, the United Nations official added

Penpushing further reports that solidarity statements of support for the initiative came from Ms. Amina Oyagbola of Women In Successful Careers (WISCAR); Dr. Yemisi Bamgbose, Executive Secretary of Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON).

The others include Maureen Chigbo, President of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), represented by Mrs. Yemisi Izuora; Mr. Charles Ebuebu, Director General of National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), represented by Mr. Raphael Akpan, Zonal Director; Dr. Dili Ezugha, Executive Secretary of Nigeria Press Council (NPC), represented by Ms. Azuka Odidika and the President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) and Editor of Vanguard Newspapers, Mr. Eze Anaba.

Penpushing also reports that each speaker expatiated on the exigent need to invest more resources and commit more platforms to promoting women’s issues and addressing harmful social norms that are barriers to the advancement of women’s aspirations and endeavours.

The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), tagged ‘Compact of Commitment,’ marks a pivotal moment in advancing women’s leadership and media representation in Nigeria, reinforcing the critical role of media in shaping an equitable and inclusive future.

Penpushing reports that key focus areas of the memorandum include providing platforms for women to advance in legislative and leadership roles; enhancing women’s economic empowerment through capacity-building, access to services, and technology; preventing violence against women and girls.

These also include advocating for increased representation of women in elective positions at both federal and state levels; promoting women’s leadership in development, peace, security, and humanitarian response.

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