Abstract

The study examined the role of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) in promoting the interests of female journalists in Nigeria in the light of challenges women are said to face in the profession. The study posed the following questions: What are the obstacles facing female journalists; what are the measures taken by NAWOJ to promote their interest and how effective has NAWOJ been achieving their objectives. The study combined survey with indepth interview to gather data. A 22-point questionnaire was administered to a sample of 100 respondents drawn from the ten media organizations (print and broadcast in the Lagos area. Indepth interviews were conducted with five NAWOJ executives of the Lagos chapter. The results identified the obstacles facing female journalists and the measures taken by NAWOJ to address them.  It further showed that the association’s programmes have addressed members’ interests. The study concludes that in the light of the findings, NAWOJ should demand for measures to make the media environment more conducive for women journalists. Women in the media are better advocates and role models for achieving gender equity which is essential for socio-economic development of a nation.

Key Words: Women Empowerment, Women Journalists, Empowerment Programmes, Media Houses, Media Environment

^JCMR Journal of Communication and Media Research, Vol. 12, No. 1, April 2020, pp. 48-58

© Association of Media and Communication Researchers of Nigeria.

About the authors

*  Charles Chinedu Onwunali, Ph.D. is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria. His main research and teaching interests include Advertising and Consumer Rights Protection, Advertising Ethics and Public Policy, the role of Gender in Social, Political and Economic Developments.

**   Adepeju Wasilat Azeez is of the Department of Mass Communication, University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria. She is interested in pursuing research in gender and development.

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Article Citation

Onwunali, C.C. & Azeez, A.W. (2020). Role of associations of women journalists in promoting the interests of female journalists in Nigeria. Journal of Communication and Media Research, 12 (1): 48 – 58.