UN Women and key Nigerian media executives have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to tackle the persistent challenges hindering women’s representation in politics and economic empowerment across Nigeria .
The MoU, formalized during a media engagement in Abuja, highlights the media’s critical role in reshaping narratives and influencing public perception.
UN Women’s Country Representative, Ms. Beatrice Eyong, emphasized that immediate action is necessary to prevent millions of women and girls globally from remaining trapped in extreme poverty by 2030.
She noted that systemic barriers, particularly in Nigeria, continue to hinder women’s progress, especially in political participation .
Eyong pointed to the stark statistics: women hold only 4% of parliamentary seats and 17% of federal cabinet positions in Nigeria.
Eyong urged the media to lead the charge in promoting women’s rights and breaking entrenched gender norms.
“Media is a tool that accelerates behavioral change, a crucial factor in advancing gender equality,” she said.
The event brought together influential media figures from Nigeria’s electronic, print, and digital platforms, who were encouraged to contribute to campaigns for gender equity .
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The Canadian High Commission’s Counselor, Irish Irantalab Tehrani, praised the media’s role in raising voter awareness in the previous election.
He emphasized the need for continued media support to challenge gender stereotypes limiting women’s leadership roles, asserting that the media must drive societal attitude change .
