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Summary
NFM hosted an X Space to discuss the gap between women’s academic excellence in Mass Communication and their underrepresentation in newsroom leadership, featuring expert panellists who highlighted systemic barriers, mentorship gaps, and the need for curriculum reforms to support women’s career advancement.
On Friday, January 31, 2025, Naija Feminists Media (NFM) hosted an X Space to commemorate the International Day of Education, celebrated on January 24, 2025.
The discussion, themed “Translating Women’s Educational Excellence in Mass Communications to Leadership Positions in Newsrooms,” highlighted the academic achievements of female Mass Communication students at the University of Lagos (Unilag) and examined gender inclusivity in newsroom leadership.
The event featured a distinguished panel of journalists, educators, women’s rights advocates, media executives, and Mass Communication graduates. Moderated by NFM founder Simbiat Bakare, the space attracted over 320 participants.
She introduced the theme by referencing Unilag’s January convocation, where all 18 first-class graduates in Mass Communication were women. However, she pointed out that newsroom leadership remains overwhelmingly male despite their academic excellence. Expanding on this, Simbiat emphasised the need for discussion, stating,
“It calls for a conversation on why we continue to see women excelling academically in Mass Communication, yet, when they enter the workforce or pursue journalism careers, leadership positions are still dominated by men.”
The first speaker, curriculum developer Angel Joanne Okonkwo, attributed the leadership gap to systemic barriers and limited access.
“Many women enter journalism with high aspirations but face obstacles that hinder their progress,” she said.
Angel emphasised the need for confidence, resilience, and proactive career strategies. She also noted gaps in academic curricula, which focus on technical media skills but omit leadership training, negotiation, and power dynamics, key elements for career advancement in media.
Favour Eboatu, a Social Justice Advocate, highlighted gender bias and the lack of mentorship as significant challenges.
“Women need mentorship. Many don’t know the next step to take in their careers,” she stated, sharing her experience as an undergraduate aspiring to journalism without a mentor. Favour called for mentorship programmes, workplace flexibility for women, and stronger policies against gender discrimination. She also advocated for a regulatory body to oversee gender representation in newsroom leadership.
Regarding curriculum gaps, Angel Okonkwo stressed that universities should modernise Mass Communication programmes to include leadership training. She suggested pairing students with female mentors and incorporating leadership components into internships.
The final speaker, Lucy Imaji, echoed the importance of mentorship, stating that women often work twice as hard to prove competence. She urged organisations to ensure transparent promotion processes and provide structured support for female journalists.
In conclusion, Angel Okonkwo outlined key recommendations: universities must update outdated curricula, organisations should fund women-centred media platforms, and structured mentorship programmes should be established to guide female journalists into leadership roles.
Favour Eboatu closed with a call to action. “Women must break out of their shells, believe in themselves, and actively seek leadership opportunities.”
This event builds on NFM’s past initiatives for the International Day of Education, including publishing a media literacy article to empower and raising over N486,275 to support a first-class Mass Communication student at Lead City University.
Naija Feminists Media remains dedicated to leveraging media platforms to challenge harmful narratives, promote gender equality, and create opportunities for women and girls in Nigeria.
To listen to the full discussion, tune in here.
