Edith CHUKU
As the world marks this year’s Mothers’ Day celebration, the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists NAWOJ, Rivers State, has eulogised women, especially female journalists, describing them as caregivers and truth bearers in society.
In their special tribute to what they described as the exceptional contributions of mothers, NAWOJ commended women journalists who excel in both their professional and family roles.
The chairman of the association, Susan Serekara-Nwikhana and the secretary, Precious Ahiakwo-Ovie on Sunday, highlighted the dual roles played by female media professionals.
“Today, we celebrate the extraordinary women who daily demonstrate that journalism and motherhood are not mutually exclusive. Our members embody strength, juggling tight deadlines with school runs, press conferences with parent-teacher meetings, and investigative reporting with nurturing the next generation.
“The particular challenges faced by women in media, includes, workplace discrimination and gender bias, lack of adequate maternity policies in media organizations, safety concerns for female reporters in the field.
“The mental health burden of balancing career and family.”
NAWOJ also called for “improved maternity benefits across media houses, gender-sensitive safety protocols for female journalists, flexible work arrangements for nursing mothers, stronger policies against workplace harassment.”
The association also gave special recognition to veteran women journalists who paved the way, young mothers breaking barriers in digital journalism, widows and single parents in the profession and women covering conflict and humanitarian issues.
Further, the association urged “media owners, policymakers and the public to move beyond flowers and chocolates. What mothers need are policies that recognize our dual roles, workplaces that accommodate our needs, and a society that values our contributions.”
