In partnership with GIZ, the German government, and with funding support from the European Union, we convened a four-day capacity-building workshop from 21st to 24th October 2025 in Borno State on “Strengthening the Capacity for Positive Gender Reporting by Media Personnel on Gender Responsiveness and Inclusive Governance in Borno State.”

The workshop brought together journalists, editors, sub-editors, and media union leaders from across the state to strengthen their capacity to promote gender equality, inclusive governance, and the positive representation of women in public life through ethical and gender-sensitive journalism. Facilitators led engaging sessions on the role of the media within the ecosystem of key actors driving gender-responsive policies and budgets for inclusive governance. Participants explored how the media can effectively influence policy discourse, hold institutions accountable, and amplify women’s voices in political and governance spaces.

The four-day engagement featured highly interactive and hands-on sessions, including discussions on mapping media coverage of women’s stories in Borno State and strategies for shifting gender norms in the reporting of female political actors and women leaders. Through group exercises, storytelling practice, and case studies, participants examined how newsroom practices and editorial choices can either reinforce or dismantle gender stereotypes.

The training adopted a participatory approach that encouraged collaboration among journalists, editors, and union leaders. Trainers guided participants in developing tools for integrating gender analysis into story development, headline framing, and content production to support inclusive governance and women’s empowerment. By the end of the workshop, participants expressed a renewed commitment to advancing gender-responsive media practices. They pledged to use their platforms to promote balanced reporting and amplify the contributions of women in governance.

This initiative aligns with ongoing efforts by the dRPC, GIZ, and the European Union to strengthen institutional and individual capacities that drive gender equality and inclusive development across Nigeria.

The development Research and Projects Centre (dRPC) remains committed to promoting gender equality, inclusive governance, and evidence-based advocacy by empowering key stakeholders and institutions to build a fairer, more equitable society for all.