Ahead of International Women’s Day, female journalists and media scholars on Thursday gathered in Lagos to discuss gender inclusivity in the Nigeria media.

The event which was supported by the U.S. consulate focused on strengthening the role of the Nigeria women in the media.

The panel members include; Seyitan Atigarin, Chisom Mbonu Ezeoke, Amaka Okoye, and Stephanie Busari. The panel was moderated by broadcaster journalist Amarachi Ubani.

Speaking at the ceremony held at the American Corner in Ikeja, Stephanie Busari encouraged females to go into certain beats as journalists even though society perceived it as men’s job.

“There is such gendered language around war for ladies even young girls will think why shouldn’t we accomplish this? It should not matter. It is a job; it is not a male or female reporter. It is a war reporter, so anybody can be a war reporter and go into conflict coverage; it is not just the men,” Ms Busari said.

Ms Ezeoke, Super Sport TV presenter, advised the women to look for a niche and apply the same work pressure as the men to be recognised.

She added that the work environment needs to be more conducive for female journalists in Nigeria.

“I think that the executives have to make it more conducive for women to move into the industry. We have to give women the same opportunity; nobody can tell me there are no competent women in any industry. So why not bring the competent women and train them,” she said.

“Women do support women, and there are healthy and unhealthy competitions, both are fine.”

Ms Okoye, West Africa correspondent for Deutsche Welle, said it is acceptable for women to be vulnerable and emotional at work because it is a therapy, while she advocates for the Nigerian media organisations to include mental health care as welfare for journalists.

On her part, Arise TV’s Atigarin stated that women need to encourage each other and appreciate their own individual efforts.