Journalists Brainstorm on Gender Relations, Social Justice

Posted by African Examiner Latest Headlines, News Wednesday, October 7th, 2015

By Eric Ojo, Abuja

Journalists, editors and a crop of change agents in Nigeria will converge in Abuja tomorrow to brainstorm on a wide range of issues relating to gender relations, social justice and behavioural trends.

The one-day event tagged: “Editors’ Media Parley for the Voice of Change (V4C) Landmark Research Report Dissemination”, is a DFID-funded programme that promotes gender equity and women’s empowerment in Nigeria. The programme commenced in October 2013 and is scheduled to run until September 2017.

In addition, the programme is targeted at adolescent girls and women, as well as those around them, particularly boys, men, formal and informal institutions with the aim of shifting attitude and behaviors as well as strengthen enabling environment for positive gender relations and social justice

The cardinal aim of the media parley, according to the management of V4C, is to deliberate on the findings contained in the Landmark Research Report (LRR) released recently in furtherance of the V4C’s objectives.

The management had in its letter to participating media houses, which was made available to African Examiner, said the report entitled: “Being a Man in Nigeria: Perceptions and Realities” is a synthesis of 5 individual studies conducted in selected states across the six geo-political zones in Nigeria.

“Among other issues raised, this report challenges us to pause and reflect on some of the unrealistic expectations and demands that we place on men, the dire consequences that accompanies failure to live up to such expectations and ideas.

“To ensure that the report is effectively disseminated and it ignites the desired discussions/debates among relevant audiences in Nigeria, V4C is organizing a media parley to brainstorm and explore approaches and strategies that will help us achieve our goal”, the letter said.

The letter further maintained that the meeting is imperative considering the significant role the mass media play, especially in terms of its commitment to advancing social justice in the society.