The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has intensified efforts to promote the Child’s Rights Act and combat all forms of violence against children through strategic media advocacy.
This formed the focus of a two-day capacity-building workshop for women journalists in Kaduna State, held at the National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, with the theme, “Strengthening Child-Sensitive Media Reporting.”
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Chairperson of NAWOJ, Kaduna State Chapter, Comrade Sahura Maidoki, said the training was aimed at equipping female journalists with the skills needed to report child-related issues professionally and ethically.
According to her, “the workshop is designed to strengthen the capacity of women journalists in child-sensitive reporting, ensuring that stories involving children are handled with the highest level of professionalism and ethical consideration.”
She commended UNICEF for sponsoring the training of thirty female journalists, describing the gesture as a significant step towards protecting children’s rights through responsible journalism.
Maidoki stressed that accurate and child-sensitive reportage remains critical in safeguarding the dignity, privacy, and overall welfare of children.
“Our responsibility as journalists is to tell the stories of children in ways that protect them, preserve their dignity, and amplify their voices without exposing them to further harm,” she added.
Representing the Kaduna State Commissioner of Information, Alhaji Yunusa Abdullahi, urged journalists to embrace data-driven reporting in addressing child rights issues.
He said, “the use of verified facts, credible statistics, and evidence-based storytelling will not only enrich your reports but also influence policies and inspire meaningful action in the interest of children.”
Also speaking, UNICEF Child Protection Specialist, Dr. Webi Mamah, called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders in tackling misinformation and protecting children from abuse and exploitation.
He noted that protecting children requires a collective effort.
“All hands must be on deck to ensure that every child enjoys his or her rights. UNICEF remains committed to working with government, the media, and communities to reach the grassroots and protect vulnerable children,” he said.
The workshop ended with a renewed commitment by participants to use their various media platforms to raise awareness, advocate policy reforms, and amplify the voices of children, particularly the most vulnerable across Kaduna State.
