Six broadcast journalists have been inducted as fellows of the Dataphyte Foundation’s Gender Mainstreaming Fellowship program, Cohort 3.
The fellows according to a statement by the Programme Director of the Foundation, Femi Amele, 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 programme to empower journalists to harness data effectively in mainstreaming gender in broadcast coverage of socio-economic and development themes will run from July to September 2024.
It will also include comprehensive training to produce data-driven, development-focused broadcast content 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, Dataphyte’s Global Director, Rosemary Olufemi, emphasised the importance of gender mainstreaming, stating that “gender issues are fundamental to building a sustainable future.”
According to Olufemi, there is need to amplify the gender voice, which she said 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,” she explained.
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 programme, with the Head of News, Inspiration 105.9FM, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Imaobong Dem, 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.
Principal Producer of NTA Yenagoa, Precious David-Ogaga, added that he looks forward to using his skills to create compelling programming that highlights gender issues.
Dataphyte Foundation, a social impact organisation, dedicated to leveraging data tools and technology for Nigeria’s socio-economic development has announced the induction of
The Gender Mainstreaming Fellowship, supported by the New Venture Fund, 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
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