Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Dame Pauline Tallen, has urged women journalists to remain resolute in deepening reportage of women participation, engagements, innovations in governance and developmental issues.
The Minister stated this at the commissioning of the National Association of Women Journalists(NAWOJ) National Secretariat and launch of the Women’s Voices and Leadership Project (WVL)of the Action Aid Nigeria in partnership with NAWOJ in Abuja.
Dame Tallen who commended the partnership of NAWOJ and Action Aid Nigeria towards the implementation of the WVL project across the country noted that the project would further boost economic empowerment and development of women in the country.
“I am so proud of NAWOJ for being the women voice, supporting women and addressing the challenges we are facing particularly in the political sphere because NAWOJ and FIDA are the voice of the voiceless in defending the voiceless and ending Gender Based Violence. I want to urge you all to continue the work you have been doing being the women’s voice.
The Minister reiterated commitment of the federal government in addressing issues concerning women and children, while stressing the need to compliment government’s efforts in getting the desired results.
Earlier in her remark, the National President of NAWOJ, Comrade Ladi Bala who commended the Minister for her resilience and continuous support in advancing the course of women in the country, added that the partnership with Action Aid would amplify actions towards women issues, build institutional capacity and leadership role among women groups.
“With this partnership with Action Aid, NAWOJ is set to engage with other donor organisations. The issue of capacity training going forward for women journalists is going to be easy.
“Now, NAWOJ is going to engage other development partners because we now have a structure and are working on a financial system, built on transparency and accountability to be an effective financial organisation, “she added
On her part, the Country Director of Action Aid Nigeria, Mrs Ene Obi, who expressed confidence in the Partnership with NAWOJ, stressed the importance of having an effective organizational structure aimed at promoting development of women issues.
She said: ” The WVL is a project from ActionAid through support from Global Affairs Canada to support 100 women-led organisations. We also have 30 women led projects in terms of GBV and others, and we are trying to see how we can secure places for women to see how those who have energy can work and raise the voices of women.”
Some past Presidents of NAWOJ, Chief Moji Makanjuola, Evelyn Onyilo and women groups like FIDA, Pathfinder International, She Forum Africa, UN Women, among others took turns to make their presentations, reiterating their commitment in promoting an inclusive and peaceful Nigeria through women empowerment and gender equality.
“NAWOJ has a pivotal role to play, and we count on you to champion and spearhead these efforts and move them forward,” they added.
The launch of WVL project of Action Aid and NAWOJ also carried out a three day training for board members and some Executives of NAWOJ state chapters towards effective implementation of the project.
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