Empowering Female Journalists: SHE EXISTS Program Concludes with Resounding Success in Bauchi State

Empowering Female Journalists: SHE EXISTS Program Concludes with Resounding Success in Bauchi State

By Ernest Ogezi

In a culminating event held at the Executive Nest Hotel, Hospital Road, Bauchi State, the SHE EXISTS training program for female journalists reached its zenith, marking the conclusion of a transformative journey across the North East region of Nigeria. This ground-breaking initiative was orchestrated by the Organization for Innovation and Sustainable Development (OISD) with the esteemed support of the Public Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy, Abuja.

The event witnessed the gracious presence of Dr Aishah A. Gambari, Senior Information Specialist of the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, who praised the OISD for orchestrating a stellar program. Dr Gambari also commended the technical team, notably led by Ernest Ogezi, for surpassing expectations, emphasizing the profound impact of the initiative in empowering and equipping female journalists with advanced skills and knowledge.

Dr Jamilu Yusuf, the Executive Director of the OISD, jubilantly celebrated the program’s conclusion across all six North Eastern States – Adamawa, Taraba, Gombe, Borno, Yobe, and culminating in Bauchi. This marked the grand finale of the SHE EXISTS training workshops, signalling a remarkable achievement in uplifting women in journalism across the region.

The training sessions were steered by an assembly of seasoned journalists and media experts, including Mrs. Ladi Bala, President of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Sophia A. Oche, Mrs. Veronica Ogbole, Ofu Emmanuel, Leslie Jonah, Ibrahim Abubakar, Tom Garba, and the program’s coordinator and Senior Programme Manager of OISD, Ernest Ogezi.

The Director of the American Spaces in Bauchi, Mr Nasir Umar Launi, was also on hand and he delivered a fantastic speech with great optimism of working with the dedicated team of OISD on other projects with developmental consequences. Mr Nasir provided enormous support and was also instrumental to the success of the programme in Bauchi.

Throughout the program, participants were immersed in intensive sessions focusing on Advanced Reporting Techniques, Gender Sensitive Reporting, Coverage of Women in Violent Conflict Situations, Equity, and more. The initiative aimed not only to impart knowledge but to instil confidence and foster a more inclusive media landscape.

The collaborative effort between the OISD and the U.S. Embassy’s Public Affairs Section was instrumental in the resounding success of the program. The unwavering commitment of all stakeholders, facilitators, and participants ensured that the SHE EXISTS initiative in Bauchi State concluded as a resounding success.

The impact of this initiative is expected to resonate throughout the media industry, encouraging increased representation of women’s stories and perspectives, thereby fortifying gender equality in the field.

As the curtains draw on this exceptional chapter, the legacy of SHE EXISTS in Bauchi State and the wider North East region is set to inspire future endeavours in advocating for women in journalism, with a goal to further enhance media content dedicated to women by 35% over the coming year.