ASABA/Nigeria: The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ has been described as a strong voice motivated by passion.
The Chairperson NAWOJ, Delta State, Comrade Pat Gbemudu stated this while speaking with newsmen to mark the 31years existence of NAWOJ.
Comrade Gbemudu said the Association has lived up to the goals and objectives of its formation by ensuring that Nigeria’s media has strong and active female contingents, and enhancing the status of women and children in all spheres, especially through advocacy.
She lauded the efforts of the past chairpersons of Delta NAWOJ, who preserved the vision and mission of the Association since it was established in the state, from the tenure of Comrade Evelyn Utunye, Comrade Mercy Mumeifo and Comrade Ogochukwuka Onah who handed over to her, saying that the Association was proud of them.
Comrade Gbemudu said the giant strides recorded by her administration, through the establishment of NAWOJ FRITH CLUB in secondary schools where the younger generations are mentored, training and retraining of journalists for better productivity, embarking on sensitization campaigns on streets, markets, parks, camps, communities, media advocacy, advocacy visits to stakeholders including the executive Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, and partnership with civil society groups, to highlight issues affecting women and children across the nation, were a consolidation on the gains of the past leaders of the Association.
The Delta NAWOJ chairperson said the various campaigns against Rape and Sexual Based Violence, where the Association demanded for the domestication of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition VAPP ACT in the state, Delta Must be Clean campaign, where issues of clean environment and worthy government shelters are emphasized, know Your Genotype Campaign, where the public is sensitized on issues of sickle cell Anaemia and rhesus factor, and marking of International Days to create more awareness on global issues, were in tandem with the Association’s goals and vision.
She said Delta NAWOJ would continue to protect the rights of the public to know the truth adding that as part of its efforts to increase women access and leadership in the media, it would intensify support in the development of female journalists practicing in the state.
While congratulating members on the attainment of 31years in the face of daunting challenges, Comrade Gbemudu thanked members for their passion and support towards the Association’s growth, and urged them not to relent in their efforts, so that the Labour of the founders of NAWOJ would not be in vain.
