By Gift Chapi Odekina, Abuja

ABUJA — The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to gender inclusion, professional development and workplace diversification, as the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) supported a capacity-building programme for 100 female journalists in Abuja.

The Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, represented at the event, said the government remains focused on empowering women through skills development, digital literacy and improved access to leadership opportunities.

The one-day training, organised by the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), FCT Chapter, in partnership with the OHCSF, was themed “Workplace Diversification: Advancing Female Journalists’ Role in the Newsroom.”

Speaking on behalf of the Head of Service, the Director of Press and Public Relations, OHCSF, Mrs. Eno Olotu, highlighted the role of female journalists in shaping public narratives and increasing the visibility of women in leadership.

In her presentation, “Amplifying Women’s Voices in Leadership,” Olotu noted that although women make up nearly half of Nigeria’s population, they hold less than ten per cent of top decision-making positions.

She attributed the gap to underrepresentation rather than lack of competence or ambition, urging female journalists to use their platforms to spotlight women leaders and promote balanced storytelling.

Chairperson of the NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, said the programme underscored the importance of women in the newsroom, noting that many female journalists face barriers such as discrimination, harassment and limited opportunities.

She pledged the union’s support for fair, safe and inclusive media workplaces.

National Chairperson of NAWOJ, Hajiya Aisha Ibrahim, encouraged women journalists to build new skills, challenge stereotypes and seek equitable representation in editorial spaces.

She commended the OHCSF for supporting the initiative, saying workplace diversification strengthens democracy and enriches media content.

Earlier, Chairperson of NAWOJ FCT, Bassey Ita-Ikpang, described the training as a key step in strengthening women’s capacity and visibility in the media industry.

She said the programme responds to challenges such as limited access to leadership roles, domestic pressures and digital skill gaps.

The event featured sessions on digital transformation, leadership visibility, data-driven reporting and gender-sensitive journalism, facilitated by media experts and senior newsroom leaders.

Participants described the training as timely and impactful, especially as conversations on gender equity in the Nigerian media space continue to grow.