By: Aisha Sulaiman
On Wednesday, July 17th, 2024, the National Association of Campus Journalists at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, hosted a compelling virtual webinar on Google Meet.
Themed “Gender Inclusion: Why Female Voices Matter in Journalism,” emphasized the critical role of women in the journalism field and drew participants from various press boards.
The facilitator, Maryam Abdullahi, a professional journalist with The Cable, and former member of The News Digest Press, shared insight on how women can thrive in journalism. She emphasizes the importance of good marketing to female reporters when they are pitching stories.
“As a female journalist, intriguing stories such as woman-child marriage, women fistula, women in agriculture, and the likes sell more than general stories”.
Speaking, she maintained that for gender inclusion to thrive in journalism, programs such as webinar training should be organized in institutions, and universities not limiting it to journalists. Also, a monetary program on gender inclusion would entice students to engage in the field.
Participants React
In an interview with Zariat Ayoade, Managing Editor from Pen Press, she revealed how motivated she was by the journey of the facilitator in the journalism field.
“ There is this factor that motivated me in the training which is the facilitator herself. She was a female and a former Danfodite who started journalism right away from the campus level. Now, she is doing well in journalism after completing her degree.”
She added, “ The core lesson I derived from the webinar is that female voices matter most in journalism because it is only females that can tell a female story better.”
Another participant, Hameedah Ahmad Omorilewa, Financial Secretary of the News Digest Press, said, “ Actually, I was not going deeper into journalism as a career. Nevertheless, the webinar exposed me to how I can boost my writing skills and help uncover the hidden voices of women in the media world.”
According to Usman Yakubu, a member of Pen Press, the webinar was an eye-opener for him because he was introduced to new ideas about gender-based stories, and some strategies to pursue women-focused stories.
His words: ” I gained much insight in identifying possible story ideas focused on women. I also got a way out of chasing those stories. Thanks to both the organizer and facilitator.”
Similarly, the Editor-in-Chief of the Inter Watch Press, Ayinla Abdulbasit recognized the significance of the presence of females in all spheres of life, especially in issues that directly affect them.
“ The training exposed me to how important matters affecting women are underreported, and the need to promote female inclusion.
“ I was motivated to support women in need. And I felt the significance of including females in every aspect of society after the session”.
NACJ President’s Reflection on Webinar Success
While speaking with Hussain Wahab, the NACJ president, he expressed his joy towards the success of the webinar, reflecting on the importance of the webinar.
He disclosed that the brain box behind the training is the lack of inclusion of women in journalism in Nigeria and Africa at large.
Also, he emphasized that some issues would only be better if reported by the females because they understand it better than the other gender
“It is an opportunity for the female students that want to add to their growth right from campus level as a skill to bail themselves from unemployment and poverty in the country”.
He further explained that the reason for choosing Mrs. Maryam was not only based on her landmark status as an experienced Nigerian journalist who knows what is happening in the Media.
“When talking about gender inclusion, our facilitator was to serve as a role model to the listeners and the upcoming female journalists.”