Gender Strategy and Advancement International (GSAI) has called for the introduction of a mandatory 5% media quota to ensure increased visibility of women and girls across Nigerian newsrooms, particularly in crucial sectors such as politics, governance, economy, security, health, climate change, and development.
The call was made on Wednesday during a courtesy visit to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council Secretariat, where GSAI presented research-backed findings exposing persistent gender imbalance in media representation.
Leading the delegation, GSAI Executive Director and AIT broadcaster, Adaora Onyechere Sydney-Jack, said the quota was necessary to address “decades of systemic exclusion” of women in the media space.
“Women’s voices are still treated as an alternative rather than part of the national agenda,” she said.
“If women are not visible before the primaries, they are already excluded from the political process.”
Adaora cited the UN Global Media Monitoring Project, which shows that only 25% of global news subjects are women with Nigeria ranking even lower. She added that young women, rural women, and women with disabilities remain “almost invisible” in the national media narrative.
She disclosed that over 45 women contested the 2023 elections but many lost at the primary stage due to poor media visibility.
“Women are not losing because they lack capacity; they are losing because they lack visibility,” she emphasized.
GSAI proposed that the quota be anchored in policy and introduced to the National Assembly as a private member bill ahead of the 2027 elections.
Members of the GSAI delegation included Khadijat Alkali Godwin, Communication Lead; Victor Chima, Head of Administration; Ayoola Oluboron, Contact Director; and Anele Lilian, WIMDI representative.
Responding, Chairman of NUJ FCT Council, Ms. Grace Ike, commended GSAI for the initiative and assured that the union would be at the forefront of pushing the advocacy.
“The media must be a space where every voice not only already heard voices is amplified and represented fairly,” she said.
“We welcome partnerships that promote inclusivity, capacity building, and editorial accountability.”
She reaffirmed the NUJ’s commitment to promoting balanced reporting and pledged collaboration in training, research, and policy development to enhance the visibility of women and marginalized groups.
Ms. Ike also hinted that the Council may issue a national position statement during the 16 Days of Activism, urging media executives and editors to adopt the 5% quota.
“The message is clear. Women need more than five percent. NUJ FCT will consider taking leadership on this.”Ike added.
GSAI noted that NUJ FCT is strategically placed to lead national advocacy, especially with the election of its first female Chairperson in 41 years, a development they described as “historic and timely.”
Other NUJ officials present included Vice Chairman Yahaya Ndabambo, Secretary Comrade Jide Oyekunle, Auditor Rose Ikoko-Tega, and Ex-Officio Ebriku John.
GSAI said it would continue stakeholder engagements with media organisations, civil society groups, and lawmakers to advance the proposed policy.
“Without women in media leadership, women’s stories will continue to be sidelined,” said Ms. Forrester.
“A functional democracy must reflect the voices of all its citizens not just half of them.”
