The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Lagos State Chapter, commemorated this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD) with a symposium, free medical care for its members, and an exhibition showcasing traditions and creativity. The event took place at the NUJ Secretariat, Iyala, Ikeja, Lagos, on Thursday, 13th March 2025.
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| Dr. Adeola Ekine, Chairperson of NAWOJ Lagos Chapter |
The event, themed "Accelerate Action," featured discussions on "Young Women in Journalism: Mentorship, Growth, and Breaking the Glass Ceiling." It also emphasized the need for women to accelerate action on malnutrition and their overall well-being.
Dr. Adeola Ekine, Chairperson of NAWOJ Lagos Chapter, highlighted that continuous learning drives growth in journalism. She urged young women journalists to embrace opportunities for self-improvement through training in digital media literacy, investigative journalism, and ethical reporting.
“As the media landscape evolves, journalists must stay ahead, ensuring their voices and narratives remain relevant, credible, and impactful,” Ekine stated.
She emphasized that breaking the glass ceiling requires audacity, resilience, and collective effort. She encouraged women to pursue leadership positions, join editorial boards, and take up decision-making roles in media organizations.
Mrs. Abimbola Bello, Director of News at Lagos Television, challenged women to reflect on the actions they should accelerate under the IWD 2025 theme. She stressed that this symposium was an opportunity for women journalists to assess their roles, goals, and contributions to nation-building and women's issues.
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| Mrs. Abimbola Bello, Director of News at Lagos Television |
Health and well-being were also central discussions at the event. Ms. Oluseyi Kadiri, Consultant at J.K.A. Aggey Foundation, announced a partnership with NAWOJ to provide medical services for participants.
“We are checking blood pressure (BP) and sugar levels because health is crucial,” Kadiri said. “Women in journalism should know their BP and sugar levels to avoid being overworked without realizing the risks.”
She noted that the foundation’s goal was to prevent workplace medical emergencies caused by high BP and encouraged women journalists to check their BP at least twice a month.
Mrs. Rashidat Sanni-Afolabi, Health Education Officer at the Local Action Committee on AIDS (LACA), Ikeja LGA, urged women journalists to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, particularly its transmission from mother to child. She explained that proper sensitization and education could help more women adhere to necessary treatments during pregnancy.
"Naturally, people don’t like taking drugs, but with the right awareness and education, more women will understand the dos and don’ts during pregnancy," Sanni-Afolabi noted. She encouraged journalists to prioritize HIV/AIDS stories to increase awareness.
On maternal nutrition and overall well-being, Olawunmi Ajayi, State Coordinator for FHI 360 (Alive and Thrive), advised women to focus on healthy eating, regular check-ups, and advocating for better maternal healthcare policies. She emphasized the need for media advocacy to drive policy changes on maternal health and nutrition.
“Make sure you take time to check yourselves, go for regular check-ups, and as women journalists, stand in the gap for other women through programs and events,” she said.
Ajayi further called on journalists to investigate and report on maternal nutrition issues by collaborating with health experts to spread accurate information.
The event also featured an exhibition celebrating culture and creativity.
The exhibition highlighted the importance of preserving cultural heritage while fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among women.
The event concluded with a charge for women journalists to "Accelerate Action"—take charge of their health, careers, and leadership aspirations, while also lifting other women along the way.
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