By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Dame Pauline Tallen has urged the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ to remain resolute in the reportage of women participation, engagements, in governance and related developmental issues.
Tallen made this call in Abuja at the commissioning of NAWOJ National Secretariat and launch of ActionAid Nigeria’s, ” Women’s Voices and Leadership Project”, WVL, in partnership with NAWOJ
Dame Tallen commended the partnership between NAWOJ and ActionAid Nigeria towards the implementation of the WVL project across the country, adding that the project would further boost economic empowerment and development of women in the country.
“I am so proud of NAWOJ for being the women voice, supporting women and addressing the challenges we are facing particularly in the political sphere because NAWOJ and FIDA are the voice of the voiceless in defending the voiceless and ending Gender Based Violence.”
“I want to urge you all to continue the work you have being doing as the Voice of Women.”
The minister reiterated federal Government’s commitment to addressing issues concerning women and children, and emphasized the need to compliment government’s efforts in getting the desired results.
Meanwhile, the National President of NAWOJ, Comrade Ladi Bala has commended the minister for her resilience and continuous support in advancing the course of women in the country.
Comrade Bala noted that partnership with ActionAid Nigeria would surely amplify actions towards women issues, build institutional capacity and leadership role among women groups.
“With this partnership with ActionAid Nigeria, NAWOJ is set to engage with other donor organisations. The issue of capacity training going forward for women journalists is going to be easy.”
” Now NAWOJ is going to engage other development partners because we now have a structure and are working on a financial system, built on transparency and accountability which will culminate into an effective financial organization
an, the NAWOJ President said.
Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Ms Ene obi expressed confidence in the Partnership with NAWOJ, as she emphasized the importance of having an effective organizational structure aimed at promoting development of women issues.
Obi said, ” The WVL is a project from ActionAid through support from Global Affairs Canada to support 100 women-led organisations.”
We also have 30 women led Projects in terms of GBV and others, and we are trying to see how we can secure places for women to see how those who have energy can work and raise the voices of women, she disclosed.
The launch of WVL project of Action Aid and NAWOJ also carried out a 3 day training for board members and some Executives of NAWOJ state chapters towards effective implementation of the project.
Daybreak reports that past NAWOJ presidents like Chief Moji Makanjuola, Evelyn Onyilo, were present at the occasion with other women associations and organization’s like FIDA, Pathfinder international, She forum Africa, UN Women among others took turns to make their presentations, reiterating their commitment in promoting an inclusive and peaceful Nigeria through women empowerment and gender equality.
