NAWOJ, SMEDAN Join Forces to Empower Female Journalists in Abuja

By Queen Kunde

In a bold step toward strengthening the economic resilience of women in the media, the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has entered into a strategic partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) to empower female journalists in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) through entrepreneurship and capacity-building initiatives.

The collaboration, facilitated by NAWOJ’s National Chairperson, Aisha Ibrahim K. Bura, seeks to provide women journalists with business knowledge and entrepreneurial skills that will enable them to earn an additional source of income while pursuing their careers in journalism.

Speaking at a meeting in Abuja, NAWOJ FCT Chairperson, Bassey Ita Ikpang, hailed the initiative, describing it as timely and transformative. “We are excited about this partnership and believe it will go a long way in empowering our women journalists,” she said, noting the overwhelming interest already shown by members.

The first phase of the hybrid training is slated for September 22–26, 2025, at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Council, FCT. A total of 60 participants will be nominated, split into two cohorts of 30 each, to undergo both physical and online coaching. The sessions will be delivered under the ICSS (Inspire, Create, Start, Scale) programme and will focus on scaling existing businesses.

Mrs. Fawale Olabimpe, Head of the Women and Youth Unit at SMEDAN, assured participants of the agency’s unwavering commitment to women entrepreneurs. She emphasized that the programme supported by GIZ will equip female journalists with skills to adapt to an uncertain future. “Our mandate is to grow nano, small, and medium-scale enterprises across Nigeria. We want women to come into this training ready to learn and unlearn,” she stressed.

Also present, NAWOJ Zone D Vice President, Mrs. Chizoba Ogbeche, commended SMEDAN for its support and called for sustained collaboration to expand opportunities for women journalists nationwide.

With the launch of this partnership, NAWOJ is setting the pace in addressing the financial challenges faced by women journalists by providing them with tools to thrive not only in the newsroom but also in business.