
The United Nations (UN) and the ST. IVES Communication, known as “Women Radio” have trained media stakeholders in Ebonyi, as part of efforts to improve balanced reportage on gender issues and gender responsive reporting.
It reports that the two day media training organised in Abakaliki on Thursday was in support by the United Nations Women and the Government of Canada.
Elizabeth Aboh, Communication Officer, Women Radio, said the essence of the programme was to properly bridge the gap of the existing non inclusiveness of women in the media reportage.
Aboh noted the women in politics and leaders were not receiving adequate media coverage as their male counterparts across states of the federation.
She stated the need to always portray the women in a positive way in the daily media reports and urged the women not to be discouraged in taking their rightful position in the society.
Mrs Maureen Atuonwu, Facilitator, who spoke on “The RUSH Model and 50:50 Strategy: An Inclusive, Responsive and Balanced Reporting ” highlighted the importance of fair and balanced reportage of women in politics.
Atuonwu, Zonal Manager of NAN, Enugu Zone called for the need to apply the RUSH MODEL by the media at ensuring that the issues abiut female are well reported, during and after general elections.
According to her, RUSH means, “Report Until Something Happened.”
Atuonwu noted that media as unique tool in shaping public perception has a bigger role in emphasising gender-based political issues.
“The media should make and as such participation of women in politics as an integral part of editorials agenda. Imbibe the spirit of gender equity and social inclusion,” she stated.
Mrs Esther Ijeaku, another Facilitator bemoaned the number of women in the National Assembly and other strategic positions in the country, urging the media to always encourage the women through reportage.
Ijeaku, Principal Consultant, Skill Hub Consulting, Abuja, who spoke on “Positive Portrayal of Women in Politics and Leadership Position by the Media” said the importance of women to societal development could be over-emphasised.
The Facilitator also spoke on, ” Best Practice of Reporting and Sustaining Visibility for Women by the Media” and tasked the media on fair reporting and balancing.
“The media should always try to focus on what is important and report her appropriately. Let the voice of the women be heard in a positive ways,” she added.
A Participant, Mrs Stella Egwu, Public Relation Officer, National Association of Persons’ with Physically Disabilities said the training was impactful.
Egwu pladged to make good use of sshe has learnt and urged organiser to make it a regular event.
Another Participant, Nnamdi Akpa, commended the Women Radio for putting up the programme for the media in Ebonyi.
Akpa urged for aggressive orientation of women folks on thier participation in media engagement, especially in the political season.