ReportHer, Male Editors Reinforce Commitment to Gender Equity in Nigerian Newsrooms

Emmanuel Olonade

In a renewed push toward gender equity in Nigerian journalism, male editors, media leaders, and senior executives have pledged stronger efforts to ensure fair representation of women in newsrooms and media content. The commitment was reaffirmed during the 2025 ReportHer training organised by Women Radio 91.7FM, which convened media organisations and journalists championing gender-balanced reporting.

At the gathering of senior editors and newsroom stakeholders, participants restated their resolve to improve the visibility and representation of women across media platforms both in leadership roles and news content. In a statement issued after the meeting, the editors vowed to use their editorial influence, newsroom policies, and sourcing practices to ensure more women are featured as reporters, analysts, and news subjects.

Women Radio CEO, Toun Okewale-Sonaiya, urged editors to prioritise equitable coverage, noting that although women make up nearly half of Nigeria’s population, they remain significantly under-reported. She encouraged newsrooms to be intentional in spotlighting women and to utilize existing databases of female experts.

Media expert Lanre Arogundade emphasised that gender inclusion must be treated as a national priority, citing the proposed Reserved Seats for Women Bill and national voter data showing women constitute almost 47% of registered voters.

Chinenye Anaemena called for inclusive representation of all categories of women. She also recommended the adoption of the BBC-style gender sourcing audit to strengthen newsroom diversity and ensure balanced perspectives.

The renewed pledge aligns with broader advocacy for gender-balanced media spaces in Nigeria, where stakeholders continue to argue that fair and equitable representation of women is not only a moral imperative but essential to shaping public perception and strengthening democratic discourse.