Bridget Anebi KADUNA
The Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Kaduna State Chapter, in partnership with UNICEF, has organized a two-day capacity-building workshop for over 30 female journalists on child-sensitive reporting.
The training, held at the National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS), Ahmadu Bello University, Samaru, brought together participants from across Kaduna State to strengthen their reporting on issues affecting children.
With the theme “Strengthening Child-Sensitive Media Reporting: Empowering Women Journalists as Advocates for Children and Social Change,” the workshop focused on ethical considerations, child rights protection, and responsible storytelling that prioritizes the dignity and safety of minors.
Participants were equipped with practical skills to enhance advocacy for children’s rights, particularly in areas such as child protection, survival, and social development. The training also emphasized improved reporting on sensitive issues including child abuse, crime, conflict, disasters, and maternal mortality, with strong focus on safeguarding children’s identities.
In a welcome address, a UNICEF representative, Mamah, who stood in for the Chief of Field Office in Kaduna, described the condition of children in Nigeria as critical, citing poverty, insecurity, and harmful socio-cultural practices as major threats to their well-being.
He urged journalists to take the lead in amplifying the voices of vulnerable children, noting that many are unable to speak out due to cultural limitations. “As journalists, you are in a position to amplify their voices and hold perpetrators accountable,” he said.
The workshop featured practical sessions on how to report cases involving children without causing harm, stigmatization, or violation of privacy, in line with global best practices and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
Organizers said the initiative aims to strengthen the role of the media in promoting child protection and addressing societal challenges affecting children, while also empowering women journalists to drive advocacy and social change.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the NAWOJ Kaduna State Chairperson stressed the critical role of women journalists in shaping narratives that protect children’s rights. She noted that media reports sometimes unintentionally violate the dignity and privacy of minors, underscoring the need for specialized training.
The workshop also highlighted gender-responsive reporting and the role of women journalists in advancing policies that support child welfare and development.
Presentations during the training addressed the need to protect the girl-child from all forms of discrimination and abuse, while encouraging journalists to report on the challenges faced by vulnerable children and give them a voice.
Sessions also explored the role of the media in promoting the rights of the girl-child, the importance of maintaining anonymity in child-related reports, and the integration of artificial intelligence in modern journalism alongside traditional reporting methods.
Additionally, discussions examined challenges to editorial integrity, including political pressure, influence from powerful interests, and financial considerations such as advertising and sponsored content that may affect editorial decisions.
The training, which runs from April 29 to April 30, 2026, is expected to equip participants with the tools needed to contribute meaningfully to child-focused advocacy through informed, ethical, and responsible journalism.
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