By Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Plateau State chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has marked the first anniversary of its current leadership with a two-day programme focused on menstrual hygiene awareness, capacity building, and women’s empowerment.
As part of the activities, the association trained 100 girls on menstrual health management, equipping them with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.
The celebration also featured the unveiling and launch of the new NAWOJ Plateau State wrapper at the Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA) Hall, Crispan Junction, Rayfield Road, Jos.
In her goodwill message, the NAWOJ Vice President, Zone D, Mrs. Chizoba Ogbeche, urged members to amplify conversations on menstrual health, promote accurate information, and support initiatives that ensure access to affordable menstrual care for all.
She stressed that menstruation should be understood, respected, and managed with dignity, describing menstrual health as not only a health issue but also a matter of human rights, gender equality, and social justice.
“We must continue to work collectively to end period poverty, break harmful taboos, and create an environment where no girl misses school, no woman is excluded from opportunities, and no one is ashamed because of menstruation,” she said.
Also speaking, the Executive Director of the Women and Girls Child Rescue and Development Initiative and Chairperson of the Women, Peace and Security Network, Ambassador Bridget Dakyes, encouraged members to embrace entrepreneurship and sustainable development initiatives that would benefit women and girls in their communities.
Earlier, the Chairperson of NAWOJ Plateau State, Grace Akwe Gotip, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to members’ welfare and the empowerment of women and girls through menstrual hygiene awareness campaigns, capacity-building programmes, and advocacy.
Speaking on the theme, “Build Capacity, Sustain Value, Multiply Impact,” Gotip said the association had remained steadfast in prioritising members’ welfare since assuming office by establishing a dedicated welfare committee.
She noted that NAWOJ’s mandate extends beyond journalism to advocacy for vulnerable groups and survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), positioning the association as a voice for the voiceless.
Gotip expressed appreciation to the Plateau State Government, the Ministries of Information and Communication, Women Affairs and Social Development, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the Bagos Foundation, and other partners for supporting the successful hosting of the programme.
The menstrual hygiene training featured presentations by Longret Laurentian, Programme Manager with the Women and Girls Child Development Initiative, who spoke on “Menstrual Cycles and Unusual Changes,” and Jemimah Libere, who delivered a lecture on “The Onset of Menstruation in Girls.”
Representing the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Rt. Hon. Joyce Lohya Ramnap, the Director of Research, Planning and Statistics, Hannatu Dushu, said the decision to commemorate the anniversary with menstrual hygiene training and the unveiling of the association’s wrapper reflected NAWOJ’s commitment to advocacy and women’s dignity.
“You are not just journalists; you are advocates, educators, and protectors of dignity through fearless reportage, advocacy, and awareness campaigns,” she said.
She added that NAWOJ had consistently championed the fight against sexual and gender-based violence by amplifying the voices of vulnerable people.
According to her, Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s administration recognises that Plateau State’s development cannot be achieved without the inclusion, protection, and empowerment of women.
“From policy to practice, we are creating a Plateau where women journalists and women generally can work safely, speak boldly, and lead confidently,” she said.
The Chairman of the NUJ Plateau State Council, Ayuku Pwaspo, commended NAWOJ for strengthening the voice of women journalists and promoting unity, professionalism, and ethical standards within the media profession.
She urged the association to remain committed to its objectives by sustaining advocacy on issues affecting women and girls, including sexual and gender-based violence, child trafficking, drug abuse, and the promotion of women’s participation in governance and leadership.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Caroline Panglang Dafur, was represented at the event by Bwehali Maren of the Women and Girls Safe Space, Bokkos.
The highlight of the celebration was the unveiling of the official NAWOJ Plateau State wrapper and the distribution of sanitary pads to 100 girls at the NUJ State Secretariat and the Community and Social Development Agency (CSDA) in Jos.
The event underscored NAWOJ’s commitment to promoting women’s welfare, protecting vulnerable groups, and investing in the health, dignity, and empowerment of the girl child across Plateau State.
