Women

Masss Media And Women Empowerment

Published

10 years ago

April 8, 2016

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs, Mrs Atosemi Teetito (2nd left),addressing NAWOJ membes during a peace walk to commemorate International Women’s Day in Port Harcourt. Photo: Ibioye Diama

A paper presented at a
one day public lecture to mark international women’s day for centre and gender studies (CCGS) University of Port Harcourt in collaboration with Nigeria Association of Women Journalist (NAWOJ) Rivers State on 31st” March 2016 by Okonkwo – Ogabu Lilian, chairman Nigeria Association of Women Journalist (NA WOJ) Rivers State.
Introduction:-In September, 20 15, all member states of the United Nations Organisation unanimously approved new development goals – 17 in
number, which aims to end poverty, promote shared economic prosperity, social development and environmental protection for all in 2030. The goals are a build up on the millennium development goals of 2000 and it is hoped that it will succeed where the previous one failed. Fellow Nigerian women and our male supporters, we have been given another chance to better the lot of women in Nigeria. It is a call for us to work assiduously within the next fourteen years especially with respect to SDG 5 (gender equality) because on it lies our success so that by 2030, we will be counting our blessings.
Role Of Mass Media In Empowerment Of Women
The objective of this presentation is to enhance the empowerment of women through mass media. A quote from former UN secretary general Kofi Annan says “there is no tool for development more effective than the empowerment of women”.
Hence it is undoubtedly true that empowerment of women can be made possible by education through the mass media. Mass media has played a vital role in empowerment of women. It has reached out to larger audiences through print, radio, television, cinema and internet. Life today is conditioned by the mass media. It has molded public opinion of the masses. Although it has not totally changed the traditionally oriented attitudes of the millions of Nigerians towards the women therefore aluta continua and by the grace or God victory acceta.
Classification Of Empowerment
I.Psychological empowerment: the focus is on growth and development of women. Self actualisation refers to an individual’s need to develop his/her potentialities, in other words, to do what he or she is capable of doing. This empowerment has its goal in the self actualization in which the innate potentials and talents are given ample opportunities to grow.
2. Sociological Empowerment
The communication within the group and between the groups empowers women. Print and electronic media help women to communicate their needs. Achieving mature thought requires achieving mature use of language. In this area, the media plays a crucial role in the empowerment of women by creating awareness among the people to shed the feudalistic mindset that denigrated women. With constant media awareness, true liberation will be a reality.
3. Economic Empowerment
More women than men live in poverty. there is even a popular saying that poverty wears the face of a women. Economic disparities persist partly because much of the unpaid work within families and communities falls in the shoulders of women and because they face discrimination in the
economic sphere. Economic empowerment of women is possible only when financial independence is achieved, when they acquire life skills to
earn their livelihood through entrepreneurship which is the future of the modern society. Empowerment of women entrepreneur is a new matter for development of economy. Presently the Nigeria government is talking about diversi fication from oil to other sector, like Agriculture. Women should be empowered in this area. The rural farmer should be empowered financially and technologically and by so doing will be empowered economically.
4. Philosophical Empowerment.
Philosophical empowerment is about the need of women to have a world outlook, a system of personal values and faith. personal values give a women strength and fortitude in time of crisis.
a.Individual: A woman as an individual has a philosophy of life, a set of standard ideals which are based on the principles that she has chosen as being acceptable to her. Philosophy influences the individuals life, it is a particular way of looking at things.
b.Fellowship:- A networking of women with the same or similar world outlook is called fellowship. In this group individual identity is out shadowed by group identity. In women empowerment, fellowship plays an important role.
c. The Mass:- This is a larger group where a woman identifies herself to be. Individuality is totally lost in the mass. It can be a religious, linguistic or regional group. The media appeal to this segment or the society. A women may identify herself to belong to a system of belief or ideology.
5.Human Rights Education Empowerment:- To be made aware of the rights and responsibilities. It is an empowerment through human rights education. About two thirds of the illiterate adults in the world are female. Law relating to the protection of women from domestic violence is an important milestone. Domestic violence is a human rights issue and serious deterrent to development.
6.Political Empowerment:- Social and legal institutions still do not guarantee women equality in basic legal and human rights, in access or control of land or other resources, in employment and earning as well as social and political participation. Law against domestic violence is often not enforced on behalf of women. Little wonder the gender equality bill was thrown out.
7.Reproductive Health:- Women for both physiological and social reasons are more vulnerable than men to reproductive health problems, including maternal mortality and morbidity. These represent a major but preventable cause of death and disability for women in developing countries. Failure to provide information, services and conditions to help women protect their reproduction health therefore constitutes gender based discrimination and a violation of women’s rights to health and life. Health is wealth, there is need for women to be empowered health wise in other for them to achieve full potentials.
8.Women And Mass Media: In the past, women were not in the field of journalism whereas now they are taking active role in all.
No wonder, empowerment experience has shown that addressing gender equality and women’s empowerment requires strategic interventions at all levels of mass media programming and policy making. Even though discrimination and exploitation of women are global phenomena, their consequences are more tragic in some parts of the globe particularly in the under developed countries where ignorance, deprivation of the basis necessities of life are high.
9.Conclusion: The potential of mass media for the empowerment and emancipation of women from obscurantist cannot be over emphasised. For us as female journalist whose social responsibility it is to bring these negative issues to bear and to speak out against it, we shall not rest until we achieve the desired positive change.

Women

Nigerian Women And Dividends Of Democracy

Published

2 months ago

July 3, 2026

The Tide

Recently a gathering of women from all parts of Nigeria took place at Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Lagos geared towards advancing women’s empowerment.

It was tagged: “10 Million Women Empowerment Mega Rally 2026”. It was a historic event.

There was a full-capacity attendance at the rally, with not less than 100 participants from each of the 36 states of the federation, despite the significant logistical challenges and costs involved.

The theme was: “10 Million Women, One Movement, One Voice, One Goal,” and was described by stakeholders as an unprecedented gathering in Nigeria’s history. The event marked a strategic shift from symbolic participation to substantive empowerment and representation of women at all levels.

During that event, the First Lady and wife of the Governor of Rivers State, Her Excellency, Lady Valerie Fubara’s dedication to women’s empowerment was rooted in a clear vision: to strengthen women’s economic independence, educational advancement, and leadership capacity, ensuring that no woman was left behind.

Her consistent display of compassion, humility and service to humanity, particularly to women at the grassroots, has set a benchmark for first ladies across the country.

The rally stood as a testament to the power of collective female mobilization. She was described as a pillar of support for the advancement of peace, progress, and development among women.

The rally was to make a national impact and to have a strategic vision for Nigerian women.

In a keynote address at the rally, the National Convener of the 10 Million women empowerment mega rally initiative and Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Imaam Sulaiman-Ibrahim, described the rally as a “defining moment”for Nigerian women and a transition from mere political participation to active leadership and influence.

The Minister outlined the initiative’s core objectives to include: Presentation of the Women’s Charter for National Development, to promote increased political and economic inclusion of women, Grassroots Integration Framework, to connect women’s groups across all 9,410 wards in Nigeria and tangible empowerment programmes, including the symbolic distribution of tricycles, hair dryers, and sewing machines to beneficiaries.

She reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to placing economic resources directly in the hands of women through targeted interventions that create jobs, provide business support, and expand access to skills training.

The Minister also expressed appreciation to Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her maternal leadership and unwavering support for the initiative, as well as to the wives of state governors whose contributions were instrumental to the programme’s success.

The 10 Million Women Empowerment Mega Rally 2026 signalled a new era where Nigerian women are not only participants in national development but active shapers of policy and progress.

That rally for me was not a mere one. I think that that rally may have been a kind of reminder to both the women and all stakeholders that women are prepared to get involved in politics when given the opportunity.

Such rally could also have served as an avenue to let the women know that they can.

During the former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s tenure, women were represented in governance. Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala was the coordinating minister and minister of Finance and later served as minister of foreign affairs, Dr. Obi Ezekwesili was minister of education. Late Dora Akunyili served as minister of information after serving as chair of National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

Boma Jack, a Rivers daughter, was the minister of culture and tourism under that administration.

Dr. Kema Chikwe was appointed minister of transport, minister of Aviation and Aerospace and later, National Women Leader of a political party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Rivers State has produced two powerful and qualified deputy governors, Dr. Ipalibo Harry-Banigo, who is currently representing Rivers South West Senatorial District. Another is Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, the deputy governor of Rivers State.

Prior the 2015 electioneering period, the former First Lady of Nigeria, Dame Patience Jonathan, PhD, during each gathering of women would always go by their slogan: “Can we?” And women would say:”Yes we can”.

She championed the course of women attaining the 35% affirmative action. To a large extent, it was realistic. Women all over Nigeria were carried along in politics. Many states of the federation had female deputy governors.

There was a particular rally that brought women from every part of the country as they converged on Abuja. That rally had the likes of Prof Dora Akunyili of blessed memory, Josephine Aneni, just to mention but a few.

I remember when late Akunyili said:”if a man is the chairman of a local government, a woman should be the vice. If a man is a governor, the woman should be the deputy, and so on. Their message then was clear. They clamoured for creation of appointive and elective positions for women in Nigeria.

Of course women can. Those who at one time or the other were given opportunity to vie for elective positions and or appointed into positions of authority have done well.

Many women became deputy governors, vice chairmen, some were elected into state Houses of Assembly, House of Representatives and the Senate.

Nkeiruka Onyejocha represented Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia State in the House of Representatives and currently, Minister of State for Labour and Employment.

Uche Ekwunife was a member of House of Representatives and later represented and recently a Senator representing the people of Anambra Central Senatorial District.

Hon Blessing Onyeche Onuh was elected and is representing Otukpo/Ohimini Federal Constituency of Benue State in the House of Representatives.

Senator Natasha Apoti-Uduaghan, represents Kogi Central Senatorial District. Her performance in representing her people is second to none. In fact, what she has done is worthy of emulation.

These and many are interested in participating in politics despite the knocks they receive from their counterparts.

Some stakeholders have come to say that Nigerian women at this time in history deserve full inclusion in politics rather than agitation for special seats in the National Assembly.

During the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) women conference that held in Yenagoa, recently, women from the Niger Delta region were asked to demand total freedom to participate in politics because they do not deserve to be treated as second-class citizens.

What happens in other countries of the world can also happen in Nigeria as regards women.

Reports have it that women in Britain do not have special seats in parliament as well as America. Their own system flows and recognises them, and women participate fully in politics. Nobody talks about special seats or women being under-privileged there. It can be done in Nigeria.

Nigerian women are very intelligent and are active in politics. They are also very active in their various professions. So, why are they asking for special seats?

Women across the world participate and become members of parliament, governors and presidents. Nigeria should not be an exception. The system should cover women.

As elections are coming next year, efforts to get more women integrated in politics in Nigeria should be intensified.

Bring in more women into governance either in the state executive, the state Houses of Assembly, House of Representatives and the Senate.

In previous elections, there were situations where about 10 women would contest in various positions in some states, be it states or national assembly, but less than five of them would emerge winners. Most of those positions are dominated by the males.

A lot of problems are hindering Nigerian women from full participation in politics. Some of the problems range from competition from the opposite gender since it is assumed that women are weaker in nature.

Sometimes, the problem is even coming from fellow women. Nigerian women need full support and encouragement from their folks.

Family pressure is also one of the problems affecting women from participating fully in politics.

The quest for women’s participation in politics clearly means that women’s education does not end in kitchen.

As Nigeria marks 27 years in her return to democracy, it should be noted that women’s involvement and contribution can never be overemphasized.

Eunice Choko-Kayode

Women

NAWOJ Seeks Partnership With Hotel Presidential On Summit

Published

2 months ago

July 3, 2026

The Tide

The National Summit Planning Committee of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, Rivers State Chapter has paid a courtesy visit to the Management of Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt, to seek partnership for its forthcoming National Summit scheduled for 28th to 30th October, 2026.

The visit, led by the Chairperson, Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) Rivers State Chapter, Susan Lekara Nwinee and the Chairperson of the Planning Committee, Comrade Uchenda Bibian Okogbule, took place last Tuesday, at the Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt.

In her address, Okogbule said NAWOJ, the women’s wing of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, is the umbrella body for all female journalists in Nigeria and the largest platform of women in media in West Africa.

“We are Storytellers, Truth-seekers, and Nation-builders. In Rivers State, our women are on the frontlines – reporting conflict, amplifying women’s voices and holding power to account. This morning, we come to you with a vision and a request for partnership,” she stated.

She said the 3-day National Summit, themed, “Empowering Women: Breaking Barriers, Shaping Change and Achieving A Sustainable Future: The Joy of Truth”, is expected to host over 5,000 women journalists, corporate leaders, editors, media owners, policymakers, development partners, entrepreneurs, civil society actors, and international delegates* from across the 36 States of Nigeria and beyond.

According to the Committee chairperson, the summit will interrogate critical issues including breaking glass ceilings in newsrooms, shaping constructive narratives, and ensuring women’s voices are heard and acted upon for national sustainability.

Okogbule noted that Hotel Presidential was selected based on three considerations namely, legacy, capacity, and partnership.

Her words: “This Hotel is Port Harcourt’s first 5-star address. It is a symbol of Rivers pride, excellence, and hospitality. Our national delegates deserve an iconic venue that matches the weight of our theme. We believe in ‘Rivers Women Supporting Rivers Institutions.”

She maintained that the he committee is seeking a sustainable partnership with Hotel Presidential in two key areas: such as venue partnership: A concessionary rate or sponsorship of the main conference hall for the 3-day summit.

In return, she said Hotel Presidential would be branded as NAWOJ’s “Official Venue Partner” across all national platforms, banners, TV, radio, and press materials.

She said that NAWOJ was also seeking financial and kind support, support for delegate welfare, refreshments, branding, or accommodation for out-of-state speakers, with partners’ logos listed as “Champion of Women.”

Her words: “Over 5,000 influential women will sleep, eat, meet, and post from Hotel Presidential. They will return to Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Enugu, among others, with stories of your excellence”.

The Committee appealed to the Hotel Management to support the initiative, noting that the partnership would position Hotel Presidential as the “home of change” and reinforce its reputation for hosting landmark national events.

“We have come with respect. We have come with a plan and we have come with faith that Hotel Presidential will say yes to Rivers women, yes to truth, and yes to a sustainable future,” she concluded.

The visit had in attendance members of Hotel Presidential Management, members of NAWOJ, Rivers State Chapter, led by the Chapter Chairperson, Susan Lekara Nwinee.

A copy of the Summit’s budget estimation was submitted to the Management for consideration.

Responding, the Managing Director of the hotel Presidential, Rex Yaakpogoro, promised to partner with the association.

Women

Nigerian Women And Dividends Of Democracy

Published

2 months ago

June 12, 2026