Journalists Urged to Amplify Voices of Women Farmers as SheFarmers Celebrate Anniversary, Launch New Project

By Queen Kunde

The FCT Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) FCT Chapter have called on journalists to amplify the voices of women farmers, shedding light on their challenges, successes, and contributions to Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

The call was made during the 1st anniversary celebration of SheFarmers and the national launch of the SheFarmers Livestock Project on Thursday in Abuja.

Speaking at the event, NUJ FCT Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, emphasized the role of journalists in supporting stakeholders promoting women’s participation in agriculture. She highlighted the need to showcase their achievements and challenges to drive positive change.

“Women farmers play a vital role in Nigeria’s agricultural sector, yet their voices are often marginalized. As journalists, it is our responsibility to amplify their stories and advocate for their rights, starting here in the FCT,” said Comrade Ike.

Echoing this sentiment, NAWOJ FCT Chairperson, Comrade Bassey Ita-Ikpang, urged journalists to focus on stories that highlight the difficulties women farmers face, such as limited access to credit, land, and markets. She also acknowledged their innovative contributions to agriculture, stressing that such reports could influence policymakers and stakeholders to enact positive reforms.

Speaking on the theme ‘Women Overcoming Challenges of Entrepreneurship and Food Security in Nigeria,’ Comrade Bassey commended the resilience of women and young girls in agriculture. She noted that despite obstacles such as financial constraints and cultural expectations, women entrepreneurs continue to thrive through innovation and determination.

“Women entrepreneurs in Nigeria’s agricultural sector face significant challenges, including restricted access to land, credit, and markets. Moreover, societal norms and cultural expectations often prioritize their roles as homemakers over their entrepreneurial aspirations,” she stated.

She praised the SheFarmers Project for its impact in empowering thousands of women farmers through training programs, financial support, and market access, leading to improved productivity and livelihoods.

NAWOJ FCT reaffirmed its commitment to amplifying the voices of women farmers to promote gender equality, social justice, and sustainable agricultural development within the FCT and beyond.

In her keynote address, the Mandate Secretary, FCTA Women and Children Secretariat, Hon. Dayo Benjamins, outlined various initiatives undertaken by the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to support women. She assured women farmers in the FCT of the administration’s continued backing in all facets.

Additionally, the representative of the Head of Service FCT, Dr. Jumai Ahmadu, pledged the Head of Service’s commitment to improving the welfare of women in the FCT.

In her goodwill message, the wife of the Ona of Abaji, Hajiya Hauwa Ibrahim Adamu, expressed her support for women’s empowerment through the SheFarmers Project.

Other dignitaries, including the Belgian Ambassador to Nigeria, the Ona of Abaji, Grand Patron Alhaji Aminu Saleh, representatives from ECOWAS, and the FCT Mandate Secretary on Agriculture, commended the launch of the program and pledged their support.

Earlier in her welcome address, FCT Chairperson of SheFarmers, Dr. Maimuna Abdullahi Habib, highlighted the organization’s achievements and ongoing efforts to support women in agriculture.