Women Affairs Minister Commends NAWOJ for Championing Women’s Rights, Social Justice

Women Affairs Minister Commends NAWOJ for Championing Women’s Rights, Social Justice

The Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has lauded the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) for its unwavering commitment to promoting gender equality and advocating for the rights of women and children in Nigeria.

The Minister gave the commendation on Thursday in Abuja at the Inaugural Conference on “Curbing Insecurity: The Role of Female Journalists in National Security,” organized by NAWOJ Zone D.

She noted that the Association has emerged as a formidable force in shaping national consciousness, promoting justice, and driving societal transformation.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim described the conference theme as apt, noting that female journalists are strategically positioned to not only inform and inspire but also challenge violence as well as promote peace in homes and society.

“As women professionals and storytellers, you hold a unique position in shaping narratives, amplifying the voices of the vulnerable, and fostering national unity,” she said.

Represented by her Special Assistant, Princess Jummai Idonijie, Sulaiman-Ibrahim urged them, as watchdogs of society, to courageously advocate against injustice, women’s marginalization, and threats to national security.

“Through responsible reporting,” she said, “you can help demystify security operations, highlight the root causes of conflict, and amplify community-based solutions that promote peace and stability.”

She informed that the Ministry of Women Affairs was fully committed to advancing the rights of women and children in the country and had thus expanded access to economic opportunities through the Nigeria for Women Project, targeting 4.5 million beneficiaries. It also proposed a Special Constitutional Amendment Bill for women’s inclusion, reserving 182 legislative seats for women at national and sub-national levels.

In her welcome address, NAWOJ Zone D Vice President, Mrs. Chizoba Ogbeche sounded the alarm over the rising tide of banditry, kidnapping, and herder-farmer clashes in the country, particularly in the North Central zone.

She stressed that female journalists must hold critical stakeholders accountable through their reportage to foster lasting solutions and ensure the safety of all Nigerians.

The conference highlights include the investiture of Minister of State, FCT, Hajiya Mariya Mahmoud, as the Association’s Zonal Patron, goodwill messages, and the presentation of Awards of Recognition to past zonal leaders.