NAWOJ To Launch Media Campaign Against Misogyny In A’Ibom

By Edidiong Obot
UYO
With an increasing awareness on gender-based discrimination and the need for societal change, the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) is set to launch an intensive media campaign aimed at tackling misogyny and dispelling anti-women stereotypes in Akwa Ibom.
This decision was reached during a workshop on “Recognisingand Fighting Misogyny and Anti-women Stereotypes,” organised on Friday, April 26, 2024, by the commissioner for information, Comrade Ini Ememobong, for women journalists in the state.
In her remarks, the state chairman of NAWOJ, Comrade Nsikak Okon, appreciated the information commissioner for the opportunity given to members of NAWOJ to boost their knowledge.
Okon emphasised the importance of dismantling rooted biases and fostering a more inclusive society where women are respected and empowered and pledged NAWOJ’s commitment to challenge harmful perceptions and promote gender equality for social progress through media engagements.
In her presentation, the resource person, Dr Aleida Borges, who is the Grassroots Women Leaders Research Lead at the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership (GIWL) and a visiting lecturer at the African Leadership Centre at King’s College, London, United Kingdom, hinted that recognising and combating misogyny and anti-women stereotypes is crucial for creating a more equitable society.
  Borges explained misogyny to mean hatred, dislike, or prejudice against women or girls which can manifest in various forms, including discrimination, belittlement and violence at home or workplace.
According to her, misogyny often stems from deep-rooted societal beliefs and stereotypes about gender roles and power dynamics, and it can have harmful effects on women’s rights, opportunities, and well-being.
She frowned at the normalisation of misogyny, even in developed nations which makes it difficult to fight the social vice. 
Borges noted that curbing misogyny requires a multi-faceted approach, including education, policy changes and cultural shifts, which involves promoting respect for all genders, challenging stereotypes, supporting victims, and holding perpetrators accountable.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the commissioner for information, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the state chairperson of the Nigeria Labour Congress,NLC, Elder Sunny James, as well as the state chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Comrade Amos Etuk.