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The FAME Foundation has warned against threats to life, stigmatisation, discrimination and cyber bullying of women journalists, urging government at all levels to protect them by all means.
Its Executive Director, Ms Aderonke Ogunleye-Bello, gave the advice on Wednesday at a news conference held in commemoration of World Press Freedom Day 2023 (WPFD) in Abuja. Ogunleye-Bello said the call became necessary as it would enable journalists to enjoy their right to freedom.
She praised women journalists in particular and called for an end to the bullying that some women journalists were facing. “On this day, I celebrate journalists for their courage, passion, and determination to bring the news to every corner and nook of the earth.
“I particularly celebrate women journalists and ask for a stop to cyber bullying, threats to life, slut-shaming, and discrimination for doing their job. They have the right to practice journalism and report the news like any other person. The rights of women journalists are human rights, protect them,” Ogunleye-Bello said.
According to her, press freedom is the foundation of free speech, adding, ”if the press is allowed to speak freely, so would the general public.” She added that marking the day should serve as a reminder to the government of their commitment to press freedom and media workers.
Ogunleye-Bello urged other media outlets and personnel to be vigilant and truthful in their duties, refrain from bribery, stop publishing false news and always defend their integrity. Ogunleye-Bello expressed her excitement, love, and respect for the media and the tremendous expansion of media companies in Nigeria. World Press Freedom Day is celebrated on May 3 every year and the theme 2023 is: “Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of expression as a driver for all other human rights”. (NAN)
