EU, UN Spotlight initiative trains journalists on violence against women

From Umar Dankano Yola

The Nigerian Journalists have been charged to inculcate the culture of investigative reportage with a view to addressing menace of gender based violence (GBV) especially violence against women and girls in our communities.
Executive Director, Always Sisters Foundation for Care and Development, Chika Obiechina drew the challenge at a two days capacity building training organised for northern journalists by European Union (EU) & United Nations,(UN) Spotlight Initiative in Kano weekend stressing that, the synergy between media and Initiative can never be over emphasised.
Obiechina observed that the violence against women and girls is becoming a very disheartening and disturbing phenomenon in our societies which need to be tackled with all seriousness from all ramifications.
“Synergy between grassroots CSOs,NGOs and the media for effective advocacy and coordination in the fight against this rapid spreading monster called violence against women and girls in our domains is highly needed,”Obiechina stressed.
She also confirmed that Nigeria found itself in situation where culture and religion tends to entrench factors that give rise to GBV.
In her welcome address to the participants, the Coordinator of the EU/UN Spotlight Initiative,Hajiya Hadiza Dorayi Aminu said that, the Spotlight Initiative has about 5 supporting agencies, which include, UNESCO, UNDP, UN Women, UNICEF and UNFA. With also a tripartite agreement aimed at eliminating all forms of violence against women and girl child.