Female journalists have been advised to show professionalism, dedication and develop themselves on the latest trend in newswriting, Production and dessimination globally.
A lecturer with the department of Media and Information Studies, Bayero University Kano, Dr. Rukayya Yusuf Aliyu made the call during a one-day capacity building training and mentorship for female journalists in Kano, organized by KAMED (Kanam media hub).
According to her, Northern female journalists have been left behind therefore it becomes necessary to update themselves and go with the latest technology professionally.
Dr. Rukayya pointed out that, journalism should be seen as a profession not a money making venture.
The lecturer described the event as timely and commendable, while calling on female journalists to be good time planners to enable them discharge their responsibilities effectively.
“There has to be sincerity in whatever they do. For them to write their names in gold, they have to work hard and live up to their responsibilities”.
Earlier in her remarks, the founder of KAMED, and a staff of Liberty Radio and Television, Khadijah Ishaq Bawas, explained that the idea behind organizing the workshop is to enable female journalists in Kano to refresh and rebrand in other to compete with their counterparts within and outside the country.
Khadijah Bawas said the workshop would pave way for female journalists to step up and take leadership in their various organizations to eradicate gender based violence.
The founder decried over lack of active participation by female journalists in terms of oppourtunities that are aimed at bringing them out of their shells and developing their skills and capabilities.
She noted that the hub would commence a community engagement program for young girls, providing them with mobile devices and a one step call center to report gender based violence.
“Also we are going to step down this training. We are also going to do it for female police officers in Kano state and beyond. It’s not like it will stay here in Kano, we will continue moving round Northern Nigeria and other parts of Nigeria in few years to come”.
Presenting a paper titled: Reporting Gender Based Violence in newsrooms: Dr. Musa Abdullahi Sufi, attributed high rate of gender based violence in media organizations to indecent dressing.
He described the newsroom as a professional place where everyone needs to be decently dressed and adhered to gender based violence policies.
While commending journalists for their commitment and dedication, he called on the need for accuracy and use of factual evidence while reporting gender based violence issues, as over 50% of stories related to that aspect are false.
He pointed out that confrontation, unity and understanding between journalists can bring an end to the menace.
“Whenever people come together especially where there are no rules and regulations, abuse takes place.If you are in the newsroom there are certain behaviours that trigger sexual based violence”.
The one-day capacity building training and mentorship for female journalists witnessed large turn out of female journalists from print and broadcast media, academicians, health professionals and enterprenuers.
KHADIJAH ALIYU