NAWOJ’s Challenge Is Finance- Ekine
OLABISI OLALEYE
Chairperson, Nigerian Association of Women Journalists, Lagos Chapter, Mrs. Adeola Ekine, said the major challenge of the association is funding.
She said, not only is she proud to be a woman but happy to lead a campaign on gender equality in society, especially in the media.
In a chat with Gtechnews, she emphasized that the association also holds dear the issue of good training for children and parental impact.
She speaks on this, what she wants to be remembered for and many more.
Every year, the world celebrates women via International Women’s Day, IWD. Can you honestly say that with different themes, there has been a measurably impact?
I believe that the themes, especially the campaign slogans of International Women’s Day over the years, have helped to drive so much impact around gender equality. We might not have achieved the ultimate goal in every facet and sector of society, but the campaign has been helping to bring to fore conversations around gender equality.
As Nawoj Executive, how has your association keyed into this aside from your vision?
NAWOJ, as an association, has been involved in campaigns to promote and advance women’s rights within the media sector; this is because we need to start with our immediate constituents. With this, we ensure we promote issues of gender equality in media houses as well as ensure that women attain leadership positions in media organizations.
As NGO/female writers arrowhead, what are you doing to curb the excesses of the youths, first as mothers and then as journalists with influence?
We have been using the instrument of the media to sensitize and enlighten youths about the dangers of all of these social vices. We also use various forums to speak to parents and stakeholders who can guide the children to ensure that they do not get involved in immoralities.
The death of 22-year-old Bamise shook the world; aside from press releases sent out, what are the other means or strategies the group will be involved in to let justice prevail.
Since this unfortunate incident occurred, we have released press releases to call on the Lagos State Government to ensure a speedy investigation into the case. We have also collaborated with other women’s groups staging protests and taking one action to ensure that all relevant stakeholders accept concerted efforts. We will also continue to work in this regard to ensure that justice is served.
The state of Nigeria is currently the backdrop of evil infiltration; if Nawoj has the opportunity to take the matter further, what would be your intervention?
First, we must train our children well as mothers. As a body of female Journalists, we must endeavour to speak against all evil infiltrations that have eaten deep into our leaders, nation, children, economy and Nigeria as a whole. We should report objectively without bias.
So far in your tenure, you have been very consistent. Can you tell us what makes you unique?
Thanks for the compliment; I think it is about being focused, working together with the members of the executives to ensure that the right thing is being done at all times. I also confirm that I carry every member along in the running of the association; with that, no one feels blighted at any point in time.
What are your challenges and those things that you would love to put in place?
The challenges are enormous, but the major one is getting support and funds to run the organization and hold programs that would be beneficial to members.
Before you step down, what would you like to achieve that seems daunting now?
I have achieved a majority of my campaign promises which include training members both locally and internationally as well as opening a crèche to encourage exclusive breastfeeding among working mothers. However, I would love to achieve more in the spread of young female journalists who can get international training opportunities.
I do not see anything as daunting or significant challenges; I see opportunity, which has helped me achieve most of the things I’d planned to achieve.
I thank Almighty God for what I have achieved so far; even to have emerged as the chairperson of NAWOJ in Lagos was by His grace. I am grateful for the support from colleagues and friends so far; it has been an exciting journey.