Sharon Ijasan

Sharon Ijasan, a Labour and Education Correspondent for Television Continental (TVC) organised a training for newsroom staff on gender balance reportage. The training had in attendance two female producers and eight reporters. Her objectives were to educate the reporters on gender friendly language, to ensure that reporters make effort to mainstream gender, take leadership positions, and equally support women who are leaders in the newsroom. Her Deputy Director of News, Stella Din-Jacob, was on hand to educate the newsroom staff, producers and breakfast crew on the need to be gender sensitive. The training was an eye opener, as reporters began to see and tell stories from a gender balanced angle; there was more female on-air presence; and gender friendly language was used more intentionally in newsroom reporting.

“Women in Fish Business: Lack of Facilities Hinders Growth” by Sharon clearly spells out the challenges and setbacks women in the fish business are up against. The story shows that women play a great role in fish business but benefit little or nothing. This is because they are not allowed to fish or empowered to expand their business to contribute to the economic growth of the industry. As a result of the story, which is still developing, the Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture has pledged to investigate the issue of preservation and loan system for women in fish business.