Women Radio 91.7 has organised a webinar titled Raising Voices in Communities: 3 Years of Securing Transparency and Accountability with Women Across the 6 Geopolitical Zones. The event spotlighted the pivotal role Nigerian women play in championing transparency and accountability, showcasing remarkable partnerships, grassroots advocacy, and initiatives promoting good governance.

In her welcome address, Toun Okewale Sonaiya, MD/CEO of Women Radio, highlighted key milestones achieved through support from the MacArthur Foundation. She emphasized the strides made in bridging gaps between urban and rural women, empowering them to speak out against corruption, and the establishment of the Women Radio Center. The centre has trained over 60 female journalists in investigative reporting, resulting in impactful stories addressing corruption and accountability challenges affecting women and girls. Sonaiya expressed gratitude to partners who have contributed to fostering a more transparent and accountable society.

Monsur Hussain, Head of Innovation at the Center for Journalism Innovation and Development, commended the initiative for increasing women’s civic participation and inclusion in governance across Nigeria. Similarly, VinMartin Obiora Ilo of Signature TV praised the initiative’s impact, describing it as inspiring and transformative. He lauded Women Radio for uniting women across rural and urban areas in their quest for transparency and accountability.

The webinar also featured 10 women from the six geopolitical zones, including fellows of the Women Radio Center, who shared their inspiring stories. These included a domestic violence survivor who now advocates for others through her experience, an investigative journalist exposing a quack doctor performing illegal abortions on underage girls and a community leader campaigning for road construction and improved sanitation for female students at Yaba College of Technology in Lagos.

Speaking on behalf of Dr. Kole Shettima, Nigeria’s Country Director of the MacArthur Foundation, Amina Salihu, the Deputy Director, applauded Women Radio for amplifying women’s voices and sharing stories of grassroots change. She also recognized the critical role of community partners in addressing local challenges and driving impactful initiatives.

The webinar reinforced Women Radio’s commitment to promoting transparency, accountability and good governance by empowering women and amplifying their voices in communities across Nigeria.

Rose Yusuf Kaisar
Women Radio 91.7
news@wfm917.com