By Jimoh Oluwaseyi

It was a session of impactful learning when the Initiative for Social Impact and Sustainable Development (ISISD) and the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) partnered to commemorate the 2024 International Women’s Day (IWD) with a capacity building programme for the female students of the institute.

The event, which held at the NIJ premises on Friday, March 8, 2024 was centred around the IWD 2024 theme, “Invest in women: Accelerate progress” with the campaign hashtag #InspireInclusion.

Dr Ifedolapo Ademosu, a Communication and Sustainability Specialist in her presentation titled: ”Write Your Own Story,” charged the students to define who they want to be and set their goals.

Using the Harold Lasswell’s Model of Communication process in driving home her point, she encapsulated the need for a woman to know- who she is, what is going on with her, when she wants to begin to effect a change, where she really wants to be in the future, how to overcome life’s obstacle and understanding why she wants to achieve those goals.

“Focus on where you are going because the road to success is not straight
“Set your goals. Ask the right question and collaborate with people,” she advised.

Dr. Ademosu motivated the female students by making suitable references to past phenomenal women in the media space. Adding, “You don’t fight the male gender. What you need to do is learn how to negotiate. You need to understand the limitation of the environment you are.”

Also speaking, the Chief Nursing Officer, Ifako Ijaiye General Hospital, Lagos State, Mrs. Oluseyi Olaitan shared with the students vital health tips on the need for women to embrace and prioritise holistic health if indeed these potential mothers want to produce a healthy nation.

She admonished that the students must be socially fit, physically stable, mentally alert and spiritually healthy to be able to cope with life issues.

She urged them not to abuse drugs but encouraged them to eat healthy and take time to rest.

“It is true things are hard but make use of the minimal resources available. Drink water, take fruits. When you are healthy, immunity is high, your body will be able to fight disease. To be healthy you must have a good rest,” she urged.

Contributing to the session, the Executive Director, Media Career Development Network, Mr. Lekan Otunfodunrin challenged the female students through the lifestyle of Oluwatoyosi Ogunseye, a former female student of the institute who is making a meaningful impact in her world.

He said Oluwatoyosi was a former Sunday Editor at the Punch Newspaper but soared to become a senior editor at the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and currently the President of an international organisation.

“You need to inspire yourself. There is no position in the media that women have not occupied. There is nothing impossible that women cannot do in the media. You are able. Don’t let anyone tell you women have not done it. Include yourself if nobody includes you. Speak up,” Otufodunrin said.

To spice up the event, Nature’s Gentle Touch, a subsidiary of Recare, engaged the participants with tips on proper hair care. In a speech to commemorate the event, the CEO, Recare, Mr. Chijioke Anaele, explained that this year’s IWD theme aligns with Nature’s Gentle Touch brands initiative which includes investing in, uplifting and empowering women with skills and knowledge.

Represented by Mfon Nkereuwem, he said the brand specifically formulated for the Nigerian woman using natural ingredients have been supporting women by creating unique products that provide solutions to their hair and scalp problems.

“Our state-of-the-art Hair Institute, with a team of seasoned professionals is one of the largest conservatoire of beauty and style education in sub Sahara Africa. We are always on ground to provide insights into personalized hair/scalp care routines treatment designed specifically for the health of your hair and scalp,” he stated.

Earlier, the facilitator of the event, a social development advocate and development journalist, Mrs. Funmi Falobi, in her opening remark stated that there is need for women to embrace their personality while purposefully strategising to achieve higher feats in life and career.

She reiterated the reasons to address gender inequality and the need to embrace better inclusion through proper self positioning.

“As young female journalists, you must know that there is no limit to what you can achieve in lfe and career. You must believe in yourself. You must reinvent yourself, explore opportunities and get mentorship which will help you to attain your full potential in your field of endeavours,” Falobi advised.

There was also a poetic performance by Jimoh Elizabeth Oluwaseyi entitled: “This Wombed-Man Called Woman,” an inspiration and appreciation of the feminine gender.

The interface session afforded the students to ask various questions pertaining to womanhood and career advancement and suitable answers were provided.

The students expressed their sincere and heartfelt appreciation to the speakers as they were determined to accelerate progress just like the theme of the International Women’s Day suggests.