Sodiq Waheed
The Ekiti State Women Situation Room has called on the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Ekiti State Council to strengthen reportage on issues relating to violence against women in the state.
The state coordinator of the Women Situation Room, Mrs Bola Adedeji made this call while speaking with the NUJ crew after a courtesy visit to the state NUJ secretariat.
The Women Situation Room Coordinator highlighted areas where they want the NUJ members to make significant impact which include a safe space within electoral process where women can report incidence of violence and harassment during elections, a data hub where all incidence of violence against women and girls can be collated within the Union of journalists in the state.
Also, the organization also solicited more visibility for women, not just on electoral process but on other general issues that affect women in the state.
Mrs Bola Adedeji said the organization noticed women apathy in elections in the state, saying that it is caused by harassment and incidents of gender based violence towards women and girls.
Responding, the state Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Mr Kayode Babatuyi commended the Women Situation Room for counting the NUJ worthy by coming to them, adding that the NUJ door is always open for them because journalism is keen on building a society that everyone can be proud of.
He noted that part of the Union’s responsibility on women is to protect their rights and not treat women as second class citizens.
The chairman promised his support for the women situation room, saying a committee will be set to monitor every abuse against women, adding that it is something of a priority that should not be taken for granted.
Mr Babatuyi urged the Women Situation Room to create time to organize workshop for journalist, adding that the newsmen who attend such workshop will relay and discuss what they learnt to the grassroots, which will in turn keep everyone involved and abreast of the situation.
The coordinator for Women Situation Room appreciated the NUJ for giving them listening hears and promised to always keep the organization informed of all their activities and needs.