Women Journalists Push For Stronger Safety Measures

Female journalists across Nigeria are calling on media owners and managers to take full responsibility for the safety of reporters in their employment, especially women who face unique dangers in the line of duty.

The appeal follows growing cases of online abuse, sexist attacks, and physical violence targeting women in the media.

The demand was part of a communiqué issued at the end of a two-day workshop in Abuja on the safety of female journalists, organised by the Media Rights Agenda with support from the International Freedom of Expression Exchange and the Safety and Justice Grant. The workshop, held from August 12 to 13, brought together 23 female journalists from across the country to address gender-specific threats in journalism.

Discussions covered both gendered and non-gendered attacks, ways to counter physical and online threats, legal protections for women in the media, and strategies for creating safer newsroom environments. Participants were urged to conduct regular threat assessments before covering stories and to develop clear response plans for emergencies or escalating risks.

The communiqué also recommended mentorship and peer learning as vital tools to help women journalists build resilience and navigate safety challenges. It proposed the creation of a nationwide protective network that cuts across media organisations, with the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists serving as an anchor to strengthen solidarity and support.

Media organisations were urged to provide adequate resources for safety, including secure transportation, safe accommodation, and financial backing for assignments that involve late hours or high-risk locations.

Participants reaffirmed their commitment to protecting their rights and safety and called on government bodies, media associations, civil society groups, and international partners to treat the protection of female journalists as central to press freedom, democracy, and national development.