Discrimination in workplaces and promotion in favour of male colleagues has been identified as some of the challenges that women journalists in Nigeria endure.
This was observed by participants at a two-day capacity-building workshop held in Kaduna State.
In a communique at the end of the programme, the participants observed that women journalists lack protection from their organisations and often face discrimination such as being passed over for assignments and promotion in favour of their male counterparts.
It said that CLEEN Foundation organised the workshop in collaboration with the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, the Norwegian Embassy, UN Women, and the Kaduna State Government.
Tagged, “Gender Responsive and Conflict Sensitive Actions,” the workshop drew participants from NAWOJ leadership from the North-West states of Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto and Zamfara as well as women security operatives and representatives of some Non-governmental Organisations.
The conference which partly focused on how to explore conflict sensitive journalism and mediation, emphasized the unique challenges and opportunities faced by women professionals.
According to the communique, women journalists, especially those reporting on sensitive areas, frequently encounter harassment, intimidation and even physical threats both online and in the field.
It pointed that women journalists have limited access to professional networks and mentorship opportunities compared to their male counterparts, as well as issues of barriers in accessing information sources and decision makers, especially male-dominated sectors and conservative communities.
The communique recommended that, women journalists should be allowed to carry out their primary functions without hindrance or threat.
NAWOJ at the State levels should establish a Support Fund to assist the less privileged among them and members undergoing emotional trauma.