PARTICIPATION OF WOMEN IN JOURNALISM IN LAGOS STATE: A STUDY

OF NAWOJ, LAGOS STATE CHAPTER

BY

BALOGUN OLUWATOSIN TOLUWALOPE

NOU211170878
 CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Journalism is the collection, preparation and distribution of news, related commentary and

feature materials through the media such as pamphlets, newsletters, magazines, radio,

television, billboards, internet and books. Journalism as a profession is an essential part of the

society. Apart from news and information dissemination, it involves going extra miles in

getting news worthy information by way of investigative and interpretative journalism in

order to bring out hidden facts and information through the media to the people (Ali, 2010).

Okoro and Chiweobo – Onuoha (2023) define journalism as a veritable tool for information

dissemination, social mobilization and control. A means of educating the society and

sensitizing them on very important issues affecting the lives of the people.

The media industry plays a vital role in shaping public opinion, disseminating information,

and promoting societal values. As journalists, women contribute significantly to these

functions, bringing diverse perspectives and enhancing representation in news reporting and

storytelling. However, female journalists often encounter gender-based challenges, ranging

from limited opportunities for advancement to discrimination and work-life balance

struggles. Despite increased participation, the presence of women in journalism remains

below expectations, especially in senior roles, where decision-making power is concentrated

Apuke (2019).

Journalism arguably is a profession that is most widely sought after across the world. While it

has been discovered also that most female prefer studying journalism as a course, the same

cannot be said of them making career in the profession after graduation. Apuke (2019) cited

in Patricia, Samuel, Celuwa, Fisayo, Ifeoluwa & Omolayo (2018) states that since the

inception of journalism as an area of specialization in mass communication studies among

Nigerian universities in the 1960s, enrollments have been largely populated by female

students.

In Nigeria, organizations like the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) have

emerged to advocate for female journalists, support professional development, and address

the inequalities women face in the media industry. Founded to champion the rights and

welfare of female journalists, NAWOJ has played an instrumental role in empowering its

members and raising awareness of gender-related issues within journalism.The Nigeria

Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) was established about 33 years. According to

(Anyanwu, 2017), NAWOJ was established with the aim of increasing women’s access and

leadership in the media industry in Nigeria. NAWOJ seeks to protect the rights of female

journalists and defend them in the cases of sexual and physical abuses both at home and in

the course of discharging their duties and responsibilities.

Anyanwu (2017) hints that in addition to defending the rights of members, the Association

also trained members to meet up with the expectations in the media world such as new media

and other opportunities that would help them in their career. NAWOJ also intervenes in

media houses when it gets complaints from its members and four of other executives agreed

to this. NAWOJ holds monthly meetings where women journalists come together to share

ideas and discuss the problems they encounter in their offices. The meetings serve as an

avenue of interaction and solidarity for female journalists as other members agree in respect

of the monthly meetings.

There is no doubt that journalism is a profession that needs both male and female gender.

However, it has been observed that there are more female students studying mass

communication than those practicing or aspiring to become journalists unlike their male

counterparts. Various studies conducted across institutions offering journalism in Nigeria also

indicate that there are more female students studying mass communication than their male
counterparts. (Ali, 2020). Unfortunately, only a few of these female students follow through

to make a career in journalism as it has been discovered that they prefer to have career in

other areas of mass communication, such as public relations, advertising, broadcasting,

photo-journalism, news casting, news blogging and publishing.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Although women are actively entering journalism, they continue to face numerous obstacles

that can hinder career progression, influence job satisfaction, and limit their roles in key

decision-making processes. Issues such as gender discrimination, harassment, unequal pay,

and restrictive societal norms have made it difficult for female journalists to thrive in an

industry still largely dominated by men.

While NAWOJ seeks to address these challenges, there is limited research focusing

specifically on the participation of women in journalism in Lagos State, particularly those

affiliated with NAWOJ Lagos State Chapter. This gap in research warrants a closer

examination of the experiences of female journalists in this context to provide insights into

the effectiveness of support systems and identify areas where improvement is needed.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

1. Examine the level of participation of women in journalism in Lagos State.

2. Identify the challenges faced by female journalists in the Lagos media industry.

3. Assess the roles of NAWOJ in advocating for increased women participation in

journalism.
1.4 Research Questions

1. What is the level of participation of women in journalism in Lagos State?

2. What are the major challenges faced by female journalists in the media industry?

4. What are the roles of NAWOJ in advocating for increased women participation in

journalism.

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study is significant as it provides insights into the experiences, challenges, and

contributions of female journalists within Lagos State, with a specific focus on members of

the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Lagos State Chapter. By

examining the participation of women in journalism, this research highlights the barriers

female journalists encounter, such as gender discrimination, limited career progression, and

work-life balance struggles. The findings of this study will be beneficial to NAWOJ and

other advocacy organizations, enabling them to strengthen their support for women in media

through targeted programs and policies. Additionally, this study has implications for media

organizations, offering them a basis to implement changes that foster a more inclusive and

equitable work environment. The study will also contribute to the broader field of gender

studies and journalism by expanding the body of knowledge on women’s roles in media, thus

providing a resource for academics, policymakers, and media practitioners interested in

promoting gender diversity and equality in the journalism profession.

1.6 Scope of the Study

This study focuses on female journalists who are members of NAWOJ’s Lagos State Chapter

and are actively working in Lagos State. It will explore the level of participation, challenges,

and career opportunities for these women. The study will also assess NAWOJ’s support

systems and advocacy initiatives.

WHERE ARE YOUR OPERATIONAL DEFINITIONS OF TERMS?

CHAPTER TWO
 LITERATURE REVIEW

This section will explore existing literature on women’s participation in journalism, gender

inequality in media professions, and the role of organizations like NAWOJ in advocating for

women’s rights in the industry. Relevant theoretical frameworks, such as Feminist Media

Theory and Social Role Theory, will be discussed to underpin the analysis.
 CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Chapter Three presents the research methodology that will guide this study on the

participation of women in journalism in Lagos State, with a focus on members of NAWOJ,

Lagos State Chapter. This chapter describes the research design, population, sampling

techniques, data collection methods, and data analysis procedures that will be used to address

the research objectives and answer the research questions. It also includes details on the

reliability and validity of the instruments, as well as ethical considerations.

 CHAPTER FOUR

DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS

Chapter Four presents the findings of this study based on the data collected through

questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions. The chapter is structured to address

the study’s research questions and objectives, offering insights into the levels of participation,

challenges, support systems, and career advancement opportunities for women in journalism

in Lagos State. The data are analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively, with tables, charts, and

thematic analysis used to interpret the findings.

 CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY, CONCLUSSION AND RECOMMENDATION

This chapter will contain summary of the findings and the researcher will conclude on the

study with some recommendation based on the data collected and the result of the analysis.