NAWOJ trains journalists on social investment and entrepreneurship

From Paul Orude Bauchi

The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Bauchi State chapter has trained journalists on systematic reporting on social investment aimed at addressing issues of over dependence on government.

The two-day training which held at the conference hall of Industrial Training Fund, Jos, was organized in collaboration with the Bauchi State government through the office of the Special Adviser Media and Communication.

In her opening remarks, the state Chairperson of NAWOJ, Rashida Yusuf, said that the training would empower participants on self-reliance and entrepreneurship.

Yusuf said embracing initiatives in entrepreneurship after official office hours could lead to self-reliance which would culminate into media practitioners becoming masters of themselves with little resources at their disposal.

“We are all aware that things are becoming harder for governments at all levels, the burden is too heavy,” she said.

“We must strive harder to become self –reliant in order to achieve the desired goals”

She appreciated Bauchi State Government for the training and assured of women journalists’ readiness to key into laudable initiatives to reap its benefits.

“As we arrive for this mission, I urge you to keenly listen to all the presentations as well as participate actively so that you can reap so much for yourselves and the state in general,” she said.

Presenting her paper, a resource person, Dr Sab’atu Elizabeth Danladi, said women have a great potentials to effect change.

Danladi said having a skill will ultimately be the major means of survival and encourage women start small.

She added that dependency on government kills desire, confidence and ability to make decisions.

In her presentation, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Plateau State council, Ayuku Pwaspo, explained that the challenges women face could only be addressed if more investments are made in women and girls.

“Concerted efforts must be made in these areas to accelerate progress of women and girls in our society,” Pwaspo stated

“Increased awareness on the importance of investing in proven solutions which reduces gender inequalities and increase women’s participation”.

She said “Encourage partnerships and policies that go beyond surface interventions to a more enduring investment in women empowerment program by politicians

“Improve enrolment and retention of girls in school and other skills. Education, including skills has been recognized as one of the important contributors to the process of economic empowerment”

She said empowering women in agriculture to improve welfare, will increase income and curb hunger.

“We must address gender inequality in women’s ownership for agricultural land,” she said.

“Be strategic about mentorship programs or initiatives for women and girls.

“When women journalists have equal rights to access, own and use resources, they can invest in themselves by improving their wellbeing, education, or start a business.

“Investing in women will reduce gender-based violence, increase political and social participation and leadership. Investing in women will accelerate the transition towards a more gender equal society”.