Female journalists have called on media owners and managers to take greater responsibility for the safety of their reporters especially women who face increasing threats in the line of duty.

The appeal was contained in an official release issued after a two-day workshop on the safety of female journalists, held in Abuja from August 12 to 13, and organised by Media Rights Agenda (MRA) with support from the International Freedom of Expression Exchange and the Safety and Justice Grant.

According to MRA Executive Director Edetaen Ojo, the workshop focused on the rising dangers confronting women in the media, including online abuse, sexist harassment, and physical violence, many of which are often overlooked or ignored.

The release urged media organisations to provide female journalists with the necessary support, such as safe transport, secure accommodation, and financial backing, especially during late-night or high-risk assignments.

Participants also emphasized the need for; Regular threat assessments by female reporters, Mentorship and peer learning to improve emergency response, A national protective network for female journalists, possibly coordinated by the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Joint advocacy for implementing the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists in Nigeria.

They stressed the fact that ensuring the safety of female journalists is vital for press freedom, democracy, and national development, urging government agencies, civil society organizations, regulators, and international partners to take immediate action.