A capacity-building workshop for women journalists has taken place in Abuja, with the theme, "Empowering Women Journalists for Democratic Governance and Social Change." The event was organised by the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) FCT Chapter in partnership with the German Embassy. The workshop aimed to strengthen the capacity of women journalists for democratic governance and social change, marking the 2026 International Women's Day.
According to Felix Haala, Head, Press and Political Counsellor of the German Embassy in Nigeria, women's empowerment is essential for building an inclusive and resilient democracy. He noted that Nigeria's relatively free media environment is a positive force for long-term national development, but highlighted the need for greater inclusivity, particularly in parliament where female representation is low. Haala commended NAWOJ for its commitment to empowering women journalists, citing the benefits of stronger democratic voices, improved governance accountability, and more inclusive communities.
The workshop provided training in investigative reporting, ethical journalism, gender-sensitive storytelling, and leadership, enabling female journalists to shape public discourse and drive social change. The event also highlighted issues such as gender bias, limited leadership opportunities, and safety risks faced by women journalists. The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) reaffirmed its commitment to promoting professionalism, inclusivity, and continuous capacity development for women journalists.
The workshop is expected to equip female journalists with the necessary skills to amplify their voices and drive social change in Nigeria.
The commitment of the German Embassy to empowering women journalists is a significant step towards promoting inclusive governance and social change in Nigeria. The workshop's focus on capacity-building and leadership development is crucial in addressing the challenges faced by women journalists in the country. By equipping female journalists with the necessary skills, the workshop aims to strengthen democratic voices and promote accountability in governance.
