Morolake Ademiju
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists in Lagos state on Thursday, 13th March 2025, commemorated this year’s International Women’s Day with a symposium and medical care for members at the NUJ secretariat, Iyala, Ikeja, the state capital.
The theme for this year’s IWD is “Accelerate Action.” The topic of discussion was “Young Women in Journalism: Mentorship, Growth, and Breaking the Glass Ceiling.” Women were also urged to Accelerate Action on Malnutrition and their General Well-being.
The state Chairperson of NAWOJ, Dr. Adeola Ekine, charged young women to embrace opportunities for self-improvement by engaging in training, as growth is often driven by continuous learning. Speaking in line with the Association’s theme, “Young Women in Journalism: Mentorship, Growth, and Breaking the Glass Ceiling,”
Dr. Ekine said, “As journalists, train yourselves on digital media literacy, investigative journalism, and ethical reporting. We must remain at the forefront to ensure that our voices and narratives are relevant.”
Dr. Ekine stated that breaking the glass ceiling requires audacity, resilience, and collective efforts. Therefore, she called on women to rise to leadership positions, occupy editorial boards, and take up decision-making roles in media organizations.
Mrs. Abimbola Bello, the Director of News, Lagos Television, said, “Accelerating action, as the theme for this year’s IWD, means that as young and upcoming journalists, you must know the action you are accelerating upon. This symposium is challenging women journalists on how they see themselves, what their goals and objectives are, and what they intend to achieve. This is not the time to reflect on their jobs but to add voices to nation-building and to issues surrounding women.”
Speaking, Mrs. Oluseyi Kadiri, Consultant, JKA Aggey Foundation, said the foundation cares for women, girls, and less privileged persons in society. Kadiri stated that the foundation is in partnership with NAWOJ to provide medical services and advice to participants at the symposium. She encouraged women journalists to check their BP status and blood sugar, advising women to celebrate themselves in their various media organizations. “It is not out of place to celebrate women in journalism,” she concluded by saying, “women should check their BP twice a month and not wait till they fall sick.”
Also present at the symposium, Mrs. Rashidat Sanni-Afolabi, Health Education Officer, Local Action Committee on AIDS (LACA), Ikeja LGA, said women journalists should help in enlightening the public with stories on HIV/AIDS, as awareness is low. She stated that if more women are enlightened on their HIV/AIDS status during pregnancy, it would help greatly in mother-to-child transmission during delivery. “Naturally, people don’t like taking drugs, but with the right sensitization, enlightenment, and education, more women would know the do’s and don’ts during pregnancy.” An appeal was made to the women journalists to push HIV/AIDS stories forward to increase awareness levels.
Accelerating action on maternal nutrition and general well-being, Olawunmi Ajayi, the State Coordinator, FHI 360 (Alive and Thrive), Lagos, encouraged journalists at the symposium to accelerate action on their health, eat healthy meals, and educate others on maternal nutrition. “Make sure you take time to check yourselves, go for regular check-ups. As women journalists, accelerate action by standing in the gap for other women through programs and events,” she said.
To improve women’s health outcomes, there should be advocacy for policy changes on maternal nutrition, create awareness through various media platforms to educate women and policymakers, highlighting success stories of improved maternal care to encourage best practices.
In conclusion, Olawunmi called on journalists to investigate and report on maternal nutrition issues by collaborating with health experts in spreading accurate information. As women journalists, educate other women on nutrition, advocate for better healthcare services, and support community-based nutrition programs.
This year’s International Women’s Day is charging every woman to
“Accelerate Action, take charge of your health, your goals, and be determined to lift other women on your way.”