Ijeoma Okereke-Adagba, a programme officer at the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), researched ‘The impact of motherhood on career development of female journalists in Nigeria’ as part of her activities under the 2023 Report Women! Female Reporters Leadership Programme (FRLP), Champion building edition of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ). The research investigated the impact of motherhood on the career progression of female journalists working in Nigerian newsrooms. The report examined the challenges women in the media encounter as mothers and journalists and strategies deployed to overcome these obstacles and achieve career advancement.
Courtesy of answers from questionnaires administered, the research identified peculiar challenges experienced by Nigerian women in the media. It also analysed the impact of motherhood on the career advancement of Nigerian women in the media. The report also identified organisational policies and practices in Nigerian media houses that either facilitate or hinder the growth of female journalists following motherhood. It also suggested strategies and recommendations for news media organisations to improve the development of working mothers.
The report was launched virtually on Wednesday, 19 July, with the support of CJID, Premium Times, Media Career Development Network (MCDN), LIDA Network, WSCIJ and Dataphyte. The event with 85 people in attendance featured a panel discussion from media practitioners, academics, newsroom editors and journalists such as Sarah Lwahas, Department of Mass Communication, University of Jos; Lekan Otufodunrin, Executive Director, MCDN; Idris Akinbajo, Managing Editor, Premium Times; Stella Din-Jacob, Director of News, TVC News and Busola Busola Ajibola, Deputy Director at CJID as resource persons. Other notable guests were Silas Jonathan of Dubawa; Adenike Aloba, Programme Director, Dataphyte; Irene David-Arinze, founder, LIDA Network; Tobi Oluwatola, Executive Director, CJID and Motunrayo Alaka, Executive Director/CEO of WSCIJ.
The study provided first-hand insights into the issues of motherhood and journalism by exploring the experiences of female journalists in the Nigerian news media industry and added to the existing body of knowledge on motherhood, journalism, and career development in Africa. Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation supported the 2023 Report Women! FRLP, Champion building edition.