By Elizabeth Osayande
NIGERIAN JOURNALISM has a history that predates the nation itself, yet the gender dynamics among its players remain difficult to assess.
With over 160 years of history, beginning with the publication of Iwe-Irohin, Nigeria’s first newspaper in 1859, there has been little written about the women who paved the way in the early stages of journalism.
Notable figures such as Olufunmi Ramsome-Kuti, Flora Shaw, Doyin Abiola, and Funmi Iyanda are occasionally mentioned.
In more recent years, we have also had influential women such as Anty Amma Ogan, Joke Kujenya, Stella Din-Jacob, Bunmi Yekini, and Juliana Francis, along with younger talents like Justina Ashishana, Sharon Ijasan, and Chiemelie Ezeobi.
The critical question is: where can we find comprehensive data on the women who have, and continue to, lead in this field, which is often seen as patriarchal?
One might hope that after more than a century of existence, the systemic under-representation of female journalists in Nigeria would have been addressed.
At home, how do we reconcile the dynamics of gender disparity in the media?
We must, however, commend selfless individuals like Mr Lekan Otufodunrin and Yinka Olaito, who support female journalists, as well as acknowledge the invaluable contributions of Motunrayo Alaka, Lady E. Ejiro Umukoro, and Dr Yemisi Akinbobola, among others, who are intentionally fostering the advancement and recognition of women journalists through various training programmes, mentorship, and exposure.
As one of my mentors, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, often says, “After God is data.”
Data, data, and more data cannot only pave the way for achieving gender balance in representation and appreciation, but also form a foundation for elevating the status of women journalists in Nigeria.
