The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has called on women in the media industry to break barriers, and actively pursue leadership roles to bridge the gender gap in newsrooms and decision-making positions.

With the theme, “Accelerate Action,” the event focused on “Young Women in Journalism: Mentorship, Growth, and Breaking the Glass Ceiling,” while also addressing the need for women to prioritise their health and well-being.

NAWOJ Lagos Chapter Chairperson, Dr. Adeola Ekine, encouraged young female journalists to embrace opportunities for growth through continuous learning. She emphasised the importance of training in digital media literacy, investigative journalism, and ethical reporting, urging women to equip themselves with relevant skills to remain at the forefront of storytelling.

Ekine stressed that breaking the glass ceiling requires courage, resilience, and a collective push for inclusion. She called on women to pursue leadership positions, occupy editorial boards, and actively participate in decision-making within the media industry.

Lagos Television’s Director of News, Abimbola Bello, challenged journalists to take charge of their professional journeys, stating that the symposium challenges female journalists to identify their goals and objectives.

Reminding them that “Accelerating action” means knowing the steps to take, she added: “This is not just a time to reflect, but an opportunity to amplify women’s voices and contribute to national discourse.”

In support of women’s health, a Consultant at JKA Aggey Foundation, Oluseyi Kadiri, highlighted the organisation’s collaboration with NAWOJ to provide medical check-ups and advice to participants.

She urged women journalists to prioritise their health by regularly monitoring their blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Her words: “Celebrating women in journalism is important but so is staying healthy. Don’t wait until you feel unwell, check your BP at least twice a month.”

Health Education Officer at the Local Action Committee on AIDS (LACA), Ikeja LGA, Rashidat Sanni-Afolabi, called on journalists to increase awareness about HIV/AIDS, particularly among pregnant women.

She stressed that more media coverage could help reduce mother-to-child transmission. State Coordinator of FHI 360 (Alive and Thrive), Lagos, Olawunmi Ajayi, emphasised the need for women journalists to take action on their health and nutrition. She called for greater advocacy on maternal nutrition, urging the media to highlight success stories that promote better health policies and practices.