By Hajara Abdullahi
The International Institute of Islamic Thought IIT has conducted a two-day training on ethical reporting for female journalists under the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) Kano State Chapter.
During the first day of the training, the female journalists were introduced to the concepts of ethical reporting and how journalists can differentiate between fake and genuine information.
On the second day, discussions were centered on the need for Muslim female journalists to uphold Islamic principles and professional ethics in promoting national integration.
Speaking on the objectives of the workshop, the National Coordinator of the Islamic Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT), Dr Saidu Ahmad Dukawa, Nigeria, said the training will improve Muslim women journalists in knowledge, confidence and professionalism.
“The training is aimed at drawing the attention of Muslim women journalists with a view to seeing that journalism is not just a profession but also an (amana) that is a trust by Allah over whatever a journalist is doing; he does it with utmost professionalism and ethical conduct”
Speaking of the need for female journalists to develop ethical and digital skills, Professor Hadiza Ibrahim from the Department of Mass Communication at Bayero University, Kano, said women journalists need training to blend in and perform well in an evolving and fast-changing media space.
“Women face discrimination in media organizations; they are not allowed to cover some areas simply because they are women, and that is why we need training like this to build their capacity,” She said.
She further noted that creating a more inclusive environment for female journalists requires an imperative gender media policy.
” If there is an implementable media policy, it will go a long way in ensuring that women are included in the march towards their professional growth”
The Chairperson, Nigeria Women Journalists Association, Kano State Chapter, Sayyada Bahijja Kabara, expressed her profound gratitude to IIIT, Bayero University, Kano, and urged the participants to implement what they learnt during the two-day training in promoting an ethical and development-driven media space.
She also added that NAWOJ has zero tolerance for harassment and discrimination against women journalists.
“Women journalists are facing harassment; we will take the issue to our national body to ensure that appropriate actions are taken,” She stated.