Dataphyte Foundation, a social impact organisation, dedicated to leveraging data tools and technology for Nigeria’s socio-economic development announces the induction of six broadcast journalists as fellows in its Gender Mainstreaming Fellowship program, Cohort 3. These fellows were selected from a pool of 42 applicants from 34 media organisations in the South-East and South-South regions of Nigeria.

The 12-week fellowship program aims to empower journalists to harness data effectively in mainstreaming gender in broadcast coverage of socio-economic and development themes. The program will run from July to September 2024 and includes comprehensive training to produce data-driven, development-focused broadcast content. This approach aims to curb gender-limited reporting and gender stereotyping in news reports and amplify female voices and representation in media coverage.

During the virtual induction meeting, Rosemary Olufemi, Dataphyte’s Global Director, emphasised the importance of gender mainstreaming, stating that “gender issues are fundamental to building a sustainable future.” She added that “we need to amplify the gender voice, which is currently just a whisper, and bring gender conversations to the front burner. Through this fellowship, we aim to empower broadcast journalists to shape public discourse, influence positive change, and tell the stories of women that need to be told.”

Rosemary Olufemi, Dataphyte’s Global Director, highlighting the Importance of Gender mainstreaming, in her goodwill message to the fellows

The fellows expressed their excitement about the program, with Imaobong Dem, Head of News, Inspiration 105.9FM, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, stating that she intends to explore diverse local problems, through the initiation of conversations on critical issues that are underserved while telling compelling and data-driven stories to stimulate policy changes for development. Precious David-Ogaga, Principal Producer of NTA Yenagoa, added that he looks forward to using his skills to create compelling programming that highlights gender issues

Global Director, Rosemary Olufemi; Programmes Director, Femi Amele; Hadjara Kime, Dataphyte’s Social Media Manager and Dataphyte Gender Mainstreaming Fellows Cohort 3, at the Induction meeting

The Dataphyte Gender Mainstreaming Fellowship has demonstrated an impact on fellows and their host communities. A Cohort 2 Fellow, Funmilayo Adekoya, an Anchor/Producer of ‘Obinrin Lawujo’ on Radio Nigeria, Gold 95.5 FM, Ilesha Osun State, an indigenous radio station reaching over 1.6 million listeners, reported that the programme had empowered her to report more effectively on gender issues, and enhanced her data-driven storytelling skills. She also conducted a community engagement activity, raising awareness about menstrual hygiene among female students in Ifelodun Grammar School, Ilowa-Ijesa, Osun State. Her experience demonstrates the fellowship’s effectiveness in empowering journalists to promote gender mainstreaming in media coverage

Cohort 2 fellow, Funmilayo Adekoya, Anchor/Producer of Obinrin Lawujo, on Radio Nigeria, Gold 95.5 FM, Ilesha Osun State, during her community engagement activity on the Fellowship 

With the demonstrated impact of this programme on fellows and their host communities, the Dataphyte Gender Mainstreaming Fellowship is set to make a lasting impact on media coverage and public discourse surrounding gender in Nigeria.