The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) says that empowering women by addressing barriers, particularly gender inequality in governance roles, will help foster economic growth.
Seasoned journalists and other speakers reiterated this at the NAWOJ South-West Zonal Summit 2024 held in Lagos on Thursday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event organised by NAWOJ South-West (B-Zone) had the theme, “Empowering Women: Driving Good Governance and Economic Growth.”
Mrs Adeola Ekine, Chairperson, NAWOJ, Lagos State, said the event aimed at motivating female journalists to create a future where they are not only empowered, but also celebrated.
Ekine said the event also aimed at a future where women leadership would be the driving force for good governance and economic prosperity.
On her part, Mrs Adeola Adekunle, National Vice President, NAWOJ South West (B Zone), said that when women had access to education, healthcare and economic opportunities, they not only improved their own lives, but also lift their families and communities.
“They become entrepreneurs, they become innovators, they become leaders, driving growth and stability,” Adekunle said.
She urged women to work together, so they could unlock their potentials.
A Traditional Ruler at Eti-Osa, Oba Saheed Elegushi, noted that women empowerment was an essential catalyst for ensuring good governance and robust economic progress.
Elegushi, who was represented by Alhaji Olanrewaju Bakare, said that when women are empowered, not only would half the population be uplifted, society would also be enriched and the economy strengthened.
“Empowerment is now more than just providing opportunities, it is about creating an environment where women can thrive, lead and contribute to their communities without fear or limitation,” he said.
Mrs Victoria Ibanga, Publisher, Next Edition Online Newspaper, said when women are empowered in governance roles, they would promote social cohesion by addressing inequalities and ensuring that policies reflected citizens’ needs.
“Women in leadership positions tend to prioritise issues like education, health and social welfare, and are often less prone to corruption,” she said.
Ibanga, a former NAWOJ Chairperson, said that supporting women entrepreneurs led to improved productivity, social and human development, poverty reduction and global competitiveness.
“Empowered women are more likely to start businesses, innovate, contribute to economic dynamism and job creation.
“Greater female level participation can increase household incomes, reduce poverty and contribute to national growth,” she said.
Also, Mrs Ifeyinwa Omowole, another former NAWOJ President, said that imbibing the spirit of help, to lift and support one another, would ensure that female journalists excelled in the society.
Omowole, who is also the Head of Editorial Operations, NAN, Lagos, further urged women to work hard if they hoped for men to relinquish power to them, and to start building a future outside of journalism.
Mrs Aisha Cole, Assistant National Secretary, NAWOJ, said that in spite of the entrepreneurship skills women possessed, many were not likely to start up businesses because of the barriers they faced.
Cole urged women to look beyond the barriers and strive to bridge the gender gap by competing in the same space as men.
Also, Mrs Bola Okolie, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Bonix Drinks, said that when women are empowered, they brought unique insights, fueled innovations and prioritised social issues.
Okolie urged female journalists to live beyond the barriers of their careers, and to use their platforms to advocate for women, forge partnerships and share knowledge.
Speaking on empowerment, she said that journalists should strive to become entrepreneurs, adding that the experience and contacts gathered in the course of their careers was already a platform for success.
“Plan for your tomorrow, be an entrepreneur; there’s something you know how to do. Look for it and start now,” she said. (NAN)
