By Joseph Edegbo :
The media has been tasked to evolve advocacy journalism to strengthen structure that will catalyse full implementation of Gender Equality and Social Inclusion, (GESI) in Kaduna State.
The Executive Director, Africa Media Development Foundation, AMDF, Mr Iliya Kure gave the charge in a paper delivered at a 2-day Media Workshop in Kaduna, Organised by Gender Policy Unit of the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria and Women Connect Initiative with support from the Public Health Institute of John Hopkins University, USA
Entitled “Advocacy Journalism: Tool for Review of KADGESI” Mr. Kure told participants that Advocacy Journalism is not restricted to play observer role, but working hard to ensure a better policy to address social issues through reports.
He described the media as a potent tool to engage government, institutions and lawmakers with the onus of addressing gender biasness against women to increase political will.
The same tool, Mr. Kure added, could be used to call for action from policy makers on the need to review or adequately fund the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion policy and address other gender related issues.
He said it was gratifying to note that a number of media organisations have become social media influencers using Twitter, Facebook, Instagram among others, to lead discussions that would shape opinions in the society.
Mr. Kure reminded the participants of the positiveness of Advocacy Journalism which include setting agenda for policy changing and getting result as well as giving voice to the underprivileged, especially on human rights cases and issues around governance.
“AJ supports more inclusive policies and mindsets and increases the voice and influence of all including that of women,” he said.
The AMDF Executive Director then advised the participants to use facts and available evidence inline with the dictates of Advocacy Journalism to write reports in favour of acts that would ensure review and implementation of the GESI policy in the State.
Speaking on Digital Advocacy, Founder Media For Peace and a Research Fellow, Ali Isa Musa recommends the use of social media advocacy by women to have gender equity noting that decision making have been overcrowded by males
He contended that the women have the skills needed to use social media to drive social change by utilizing digital tools for advocacy to actualize the much desired Inclusion.
In her opening remarks, the Executive Director, Women Connect Initiative, Hajia Murjanatu Suleiman Shika said GESI policy recognizes females occupying positions of authority noting that Kaduna tends to address gender policies, but developing them seems lacking.
She said female representation at legislative and executive arms of government in the State is very poor even though the State has a female as the Deputy Governor.
On his part, a Rise Up Project Fellow, Mr. Timothy Elisha said the workshop was aimed at enlisting support of media practitioners towards useful reportage for the review of KADGESI policy.
“The role of the media is increasingly important in advocacy. The media and its reportage aids the attainment of policy reviews, formulation and implementation” he remarks.
In her closing remarks, the Director, Gender Policy Unit, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Prof. Eugenia Chika Akpa solicited the support of the participants by doing the needful to attain inclusiveness in governance.
Kaduna and Lagos are the only States in the Federation having the policy. While Lagos is actively implementing Its, that of Kaduna seems remaining on the drawing board.
