The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists NAWOJ, Rivers State, has advocated for an improved maternity benefits across media houses and gender-sensitive safety protocols for female journalists.
NAWOJ also renewed its call for flexible work arrangements for nursing mothers and stronger policies against workplace harassment. The association made this call on Sunday, May 11, 2025, in a tribute in celebration of the 2025 Mothers’ Day. NAWOJ described female media professionals as caregivers and truth-bearers in the society.
The female wing of the pen profession acknowledged the exceptional contributions of mothers, particularly women journalists who excel in both their professional and family roles. The Chairperson of the association, Susan Serekara-Nwikhana, and Secretary, Precious Ahiakwo-Ovie, also highlighted the dual roles played by female journalists.
Also Read: CAPPA Urges FG to Accelerate Salt Reduction Targets Regulation
“We celebrate the extraordinary women who daily demonstrate that journalism and motherhood are not mutually exclusive. “Our members embody strength, juggling tight deadlines with school runs, press conferences with parent-teacher meetings, and investigative reporting with nurturing the next generation.
“On the challenges faced by women in media, NAWOJ listed workplace discrimination and gender bias, lack of adequate maternity policies in media organizations, safety concerns for female reporters in the field, the mental health burden of balancing career and family.
The association specially acknowledged veteran women journalists who paved the way, young mothers breaking barriers in digital journalism, widows and single parents in the profession and women covering conflict and humanitarian issues.
NAWOJ further urged “media owners, policymakers and the public to move beyond flowers and chocolates. What mothers need are policies that recognize our dual roles, workplaces that accommodate our needs, and a society that values our contributions.”
