The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Kaduna State Chapter, has issued a communiqué at the end of its monthly general congress held at the NUJ Secretariat in Kaduna.
In the communiqué, the association applauded recent government efforts but also raised critical concerns over the continued marginalization of women journalists.
During the meeting held on Monday, May 12, 2025, members deliberated extensively on issues affecting women journalists and the broader media landscape.
The association expressed appreciation to the Kaduna State Government for its strides in the education sector, particularly the provision of scholarships to indigent students and the clearance of tuition fees for foreign students.
NAWOJ also commended the government’s inclusive empowerment initiatives that incorporate persons with disabilities.
On security and empowerment, NAWOJ acknowledged the improvement in the security situation across the state and praised the administration’s growing commitment to women empowerment, calling for further expansion of these efforts to benefit more women and vulnerable communities.
However, the association expressed concern over the continued exclusion of women journalists from state-sponsored pilgrimage opportunities, including Hajj and Jerusalem trips.
NAWOJ noted that while other professional associations have been beneficiaries, neither NAWOJ nor its parent body, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), have been considered. The association called on the state government to rectify the imbalance and ensure fair inclusion of women journalists.
Equally, NAWOJ condemned the recent exclusion of journalists from the Northern Governors’ meeting held in Kaduna, describing it as a violation of press freedom.
The association emphasized the constitutional role of the media in fostering transparency and accountability, urging stakeholders to ensure equal access to public events for all journalists, regardless of gender.
NAWOJ also urged the government and stakeholders to promote press freedom and inclusive representation by actively involving women journalists in state functions, policy discussions, and media engagements.
In addition to its media-related concerns, NAWOJ appealed to the government to intensify efforts toward graduate employment and youth empowerment.
The association stressed the importance of strategic initiatives that support job creation and entrepreneurship to combat poverty and enhance social cohesion.
The communiqué was signed by the Communiqué Drafting Committee comprising Hadiza Bello Abdullahi as Chairperson, Ruth Barnabas, Secretary and Rakiya Saminu Daura, Member.
