UN, Media Executives Sign MoU to advance Gender Equality

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Ms. Beatrice Eyong, UN Women Representative in Nigeria

The UN Women in Nigeria has signed a Memorandum of Understanding  with several media organizations in Abuja to advance gender equality and women's empowerment. 

On September 8, media executives from the southern part of the country signed a similar undertaking in Lagos.

Ms. Beatrice Eyong, the UN Women representative in Nigeria, noted that the meeting presents an opportunity to examine and explore opportunities where the media could make impact in addressing challenges faced by women and girls.

She pointed out  that the MoU would provide a framework for collaboration and collaboration to strengthen partnership in escalating media advocacy to promote women's economic empowerment, prevention of violence against women and girls and increasing women's representation and leadership along humanitarian, development and peace nexus.

"Media is a tool that has been used over time in educating the society and accelerating behavioral change, which is a fundamental prerequisite for advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment. We want to see the Nigerian media leading campaign on mindset change within communities where gender inequality is entrenched, women’s voice is subdued, and the rights and aspirations of young girls are violated with impunity. 

Contribution from the media must be therefore deliberate, purposeful and targeted", she emphasised.  

The National President, Nigerian Union of Journalist, Mr. Chris Isiguzor Urged media organisations to create platforms they can promote and influence the course of women as agenda setters and shaping public opinion.

"The NUJ is proud to align itself with the objectives of this roundtable, recognizing that strategic media interventions are key to enhancing women’s participation in all facets of life. Our partnership with UN Women, particularly through the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding today, signals our collective commitment to this cause", he said.

           Media Executives and Ms. Beatrice Eyong, UN Women Representative in Nigeria 

Counsellor and Head of Development Cooperation, Canadian High Commission, Mr Irash Tehrani, emphasized that the partnership is crucial for breaking down barriers that hinder women's political participation and economic empowerment.

He also highlighted the importance of improving gender-responsive laws and fostering collaboration with traditional leaders and men to advance economic prosperity, peace, and development in the country.

Ms Melissa Jones, USAID Mission Director to Nigeria, decried the low women political representation, stressing the need for all stakeholders to collaborate towards changing the narrative. Jones, added that "the media has a role to ensure that that voices of women and girls are heard."

Dr. Abbas Tajudeen, Speaker of the House of Representatives, represented by Hajiya Fatima Talba, Chairperson of the House Committee on Women in Parliament, reaffirmed their commitment to increasing women's political participation.

Writing by Hadiza Abdulrahman 

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