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Celebrating Media Excellence in Gender Equity: Highlights from the 2025 ReportHer Awards in Lagos
On Friday in Lagos, the 2025 ReportHer Awards honored media organizations that have demonstrated outstanding dedication to advancing gender equality and amplifying women’s voices within journalism. Leading the accolades were Premium Times, BONews Service, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), each recognized for their unique contributions to fostering inclusivity and gender-sensitive reporting.
About the ReportHer Awards: A Collaborative Effort for Gender-Inclusive Media
Organized jointly by Women Radio 91.7FM and the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ), the awards spotlighted excellence across four pivotal categories that address critical aspects of women’s representation in Nigerian media. This initiative underscores the growing importance of gender-responsive journalism in shaping public discourse and policy.
Premium Times: Leading the Charge in Gender-Based Violence Reporting
Premium Times earned the award for Excellence in GBV Reporting due to its rigorous investigative journalism focused on gender-based violence, reproductive rights, and gender policy. Their work was praised for its ethical approach, accuracy, and solution-oriented narratives that delve into the socio-cultural, legal, and political factors influencing gender disparities. This aligns with global trends where investigative journalism plays a crucial role in holding systems accountable and driving social change.
BONews Service: Championing Inclusive Advocacy and Balanced Coverage
Recognized for Excellence in Inclusive Advocacy and Reportage, BONews Service stood out for its equitable and nuanced storytelling that promotes gender equality, disability rights, and broader social justice issues. Their commitment reflects a growing media trend towards intersectional coverage that addresses multiple dimensions of inclusion.
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN): Setting the Standard for Pro-Women Workplace Policies
NAN was honored for Excellence in Pro-Women Workplace Policy, implementing progressive measures such as a six-month maternity leave, a two-hour daily work reduction for six months post-maternity, 14 days of paternity leave, and on-site creche facilities at their Abuja and Lagos offices. Additionally, they offer light-duty assignments for nursing employees, setting a benchmark for family-friendly workplace environments in Nigeria’s media sector.
Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN): Exemplifying Female Leadership in Media Management
FRCN received the award for Excellence in Female Leadership Representation, boasting that women occupy 70% of its management leadership roles. This includes 11 female heads of departments within the committee of management and six women serving as deputy directors across regional offices. Their leadership model highlights the critical role of women in shaping media narratives and organizational culture.
Recognizing Collective Efforts and Media Professionals
While each category had a single winner, the organizers emphasized appreciation for all media outlets committed to equitable and balanced reporting. They extended gratitude to editors, journalists, producers, digital content creators, and cartoonists whose persistent efforts ensure that women’s perspectives are authentically represented and respected in the media landscape.
Insights from Key Leaders Driving Gender-Inclusive Journalism
Motunrayo Alaka, CEO of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism, reflected on the organization’s two-decade legacy of fostering courageous and inclusive journalism. WSCIJ’s initiatives, including collaborations, training programs, fellowships, mentorship, the Report Women program, and the prestigious Wole Soyinka Award for Investigative Reporting, have been instrumental in empowering journalists and promoting gender and social equity.
Toun Okewale Sonaiya, CEO of Women Radio 91.7FM, highlighted the station’s unique role since 2015 as Nigeria’s only female-focused radio platform. Women Radio has been pivotal in advancing women’s rights and inclusive governance through innovative projects such as NimiAI, Nigeria’s first AI-powered radio host providing personalized support to women in real time. The station also conducts ReportHer trainings to equip female journalists with investigative skills, hosts media dialogues to amplify women’s narratives, and organizes the annual Voice of Women Conference and Awards, the country’s largest forum promoting women’s leadership and grassroots empowerment.
Support and Vision for Gender-Responsive Media
The 2025 ReportHer Awards received backing from the Ford Foundation West Africa, reinforcing the initiative’s mission to enhance media accountability and nurture a sustainable culture of gender-inclusive journalism throughout Nigeria. This aligns with global efforts to ensure media platforms serve as catalysts for social equity and gender justice.
