As the world marks International Women’s Day, the political counselor to British High Commissioner, Dominic Williams has urged young journalists to change the narrative on the portrayal of women in the media. Mr Williams made the call on Saturday during the second International Youth media day in Abuja saying the media has an enormous influence on the issue of gender equality because of the media influences society the cause of transmitting values from one generation to another.
He said the media should not follow the existing stereotypical portrayal of women in the society rather they should get a balance in their reportage of gender-related issues. While admitting that with the emergence of each generation, rights of women are being respected, he, however, said that both men and women must stand up for gender equality to change the existing status quo.
During the event, which was also aimed to promote using the media as a veritable tool to project equality and give credence to the importance of women to the society, Williams said individuals should start having a new conviction and start believing in equal rights for women as they are valuable assets to the society. He said, “women should recognize their rights as they are equal opportunities open to them. The media should also endeavor to project women in good light and by so doing, women will serve as a helping hand in nation-building. It should start by giving women in media equal opportunities as men”
Also speaking during the event, an educationist Irene called for better education of women for women because education gives better opportunities for women to realize their dreams. She also calls for increased participation of women in the media space so that women themselves can shape their own narrative. “Women must take that responsibility of shaping their own story rather than allowing others to do so on their behalf”, she said.
Similarly, gender advocate Ene Nde said gender stereotype in the media is very dangerous than other forms of stereotype in society. “Women in the media are highly underrated in this part of the world but there is no limit to what a woman can do. The media is a superstructure that can promote women’s capabilities”, `she said.
The event also featured film screening that portrays women’s strength and gender representation in the society, music presentation and photo exhibition. Convener of the event touted among the first women in the event, Ovinuchi Ejiohuo also calls for the respect and celebration of women; mothers, sisters, wives and friends, especially those using the media to fight for women’s rights and for humanity in general. “Women issues are the major fabric in our society because women are the outliers of character development, the economy, governance, and national development”, he said.
International Youth Media Day is a worldwide celebration of youth art; film, photography, spoken word and screening of the International Youth Media Summit (IYMS) works across borders. The 15th IYMS will take place in Croatia this year with the Croatian Film Association as the host.
