The need to combat gender-related hate speech online through objective and conflict sensitive reporting has been emphasized.
The call was made by journalists, representatives of civil society organisations and online bloggers present at a media round-table organised by the International Press Centre (IPC) at Ogba, Lagos, on Wednesday.
The roundtable was organised in conjunction with West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP) and Humanity Family Foundation for Peace and Development (HUFFPED).
Speaking during the event, Head of Programmes, WANEP-Nigeria, Ms. Patience Obaulo, said the need to combat gender related hate speech became necessary in view of the coming elections.
“As the country prepares for the elections, these are realities within the Nigerian system that calls for immediate intervention, hence this project on the application of technology tools to monitor gender-related hate speech and produce online counter-narratives to mitigate gender hate speech about women and political leadership.
“It is an initiative of WANEP – Nigeria and Humanity Family Foundation for Peace and Development aimed to advance and build public understanding, respect and support for girls and women as citizens who should not be discriminated against to ensure they function in the society via democratic, political, socio-economic and social development opportunities and integration.”
READ ALSO: Benue to close down 2,424 illegal schools
The Editor of Health Style Plus, Mrs. Yinka Shokunbi, was one of the contributors at the event.
She advised that “parents should groom their daughters in the right direction from an early age so that they can be encouraged to know about politics.”
She stated that that was the only way “we can have more women participating in politics in the future.”
The media, she said, should also try as much as possible to shed light on female aspirants.
“In 2015, it was all about the male presidential aspirants. Let’s try and encourage the women by giving them the right publicity. Where are the Sarah Jubrils of yesterday? They are silent today because they have been dealt huge blows as women,” Shokunbi said.
In a similar vein, Managing Editor, Online, Nation newspaper, Mr. Lekan Otufodunrin, was of the view that online journalists should protect women against hate speech.
He said women should develop a thick skin in order not to allow online insults get to them.
