Media organisations pledge support for women advancement

Media executives and regulatory bodies in the Southern part of Nigeria have endorsed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UN Women, emphasising the critical role of media in shaping an equitable and inclusive future.

This strategic partnership is in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5, which among others seeks to ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making.

The MoU, signed at a meeting in Ikeja, Lagos, and tagged ‘Compact of Commitment,’ underscored UN Women’s ongoing commitment to advancing women’s roles in leadership within Nigeria and investment in the socio-economic endeavours of Nigerian women to improve the standard of living for women and girls in Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, UN Women’s Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Beatrice Eyong, emphasised the organisation’s dedication to bolstering women’s resilience and professional development.

“UN Women believes that investing in women is investing in the very fabric of society. No nation can truly thrive if women are left behind. Our support is grounded in shared values, mutual respect, and a common vision with the Government and people of Nigeria,” she said.

The signatories include the Nigerian Guild of Editors, the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers, the National Broadcasting Commission, Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria, Nigeria Television Authority, The Guardian Newspapers, The Punch Newspapers, the Nigerian Democratic Report, Raypower FM, Blueprint Newspaper, among others.

Key focus areas of the memorandum include providing platforms for women to advance in legislative and leadership roles; enhancing women’s economic empowerment through capacity-building, access to services, and technology; preventing violence against women and girls; advocating increased representation of women in elective positions at both federal and state levels; promoting women’s leadership in development, peace, security, and humanitarian response.