November 8, 2021, Abuja: Several women journalist support networks arranged an event on the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists to demand greater safety. The event was held as a virtual roundtable after by ActionAid Nigeria titled, ‘National Media Virtual Roundtable on Actioning Safety and Protection of Women Journalists in Nigeria: Reflections and Recommendations’. The event was preceded by a research paper published by the organization exploring the problems faced by women journalists and recommending potential solutions for it.

Organizations that joined the event included but were not limited to AAN, Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, Women in Media Development Initiative, WIMDI. The support that ActionAid Nigeria was able to garner for its event was indicative of the urgency with which this issue requires redressal in the country. 

Among the speakers at the event was the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Ene Obi.; President, Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, Ladi Bala; Anchor and Producer with Arise News TV, Oba Adeoye; Programme Director, Daily Trust Foundation, Theophilus Abbah; and Team Lead, Women in Media Development Initiative, WIMDI, Omolola Oladimeji.

The organizers of the event claimed that “The harassment and impunity against journalists especially sexual harassment of female journalists will not end until perpetrators are investigated and punished," and their research went on to say that, “Networking and solidarity building are required amongst journalists for strategic advocacy and to counter threats of violence and crimes against journalists, particularly women, towards protecting freedom of expression for all."

The recommendations put forth at the event placed responsibility on media organizations as well as the state to ensure safer work environments for women. They recommended that "organizations such as NUJ, NAWOJ, NGE and other allied pro-media organizations should lead this campaign with support from professional and development networks including FIDA to develop draft legislation."

The Coalition For Women In Journalism welcomes the event and the recommendations put forth in it. We truly believe that building support networks and offering solidarities is the way to counter the biases inherent in our systems. Violence against women journalists might feel like isolated events on the surface but are symptoms of larger systemic issues. We hope more of such moments of solidarity will become commonplace in order to put up a united front against the elements that are detrimental to the growth of women journalists in the news media industry.