Call for Nigerian Government to Empower Women in the Creative Industry

Opportunities for Women in the Creative Sector
Panel Discussions at Abuja Photo Festival
UNESCO Partnership with Nigerian Government
Importance of Community Media

The Nigerian government has been called upon to create opportunities for women within the country's burgeoning creative sector.

Belinda Holden, representing the Guest Artists Space Foundation and serving as Managing Director of the Yinka Shonibare Foundation (YSF), made this request during panel discussions at the Abuja Photo Festival on Thursday.

During the Embassy of Sweden Art Session, themed ‘Evolving through the Lens’, Holden emphasized the necessity for women in the creative field to receive funding and opportunities that will allow them to flourish.

“This event (Embassy of Sweden Art Session) is aimed at women involved in the creative sector – including writers, photographers, artists, and painters. The goal is to provide these women with the opportunity and platform to either stand independently or collaborate to realize their talents and objectives. This initiative aims to give them a more powerful voice to share their stories and the narrative of society.

“These women often lack a voice, so it is our mission to ensure that they are heard.

“The arts as a whole require increased funding and support, and global NGOs need to move beyond merely providing handouts to consider how to establish societies that value artists as much as they do scientists and technologists.

“There is a pressing need for additional funding to ensure that more opportunities are available for women in the creative sector. However, it is not just about funding; the government and other stakeholders must enhance the creative ecosystem,” she stated.

Additionally, at the 9th Abuja Photo Festival, Yachat Nuhu, a representative from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), discussed the organization's plans to collaborate with the Nigerian government to utilize virtual storytelling to combat fake news.

Nuhu stressed that media and information literacy should become a lifestyle for everyone, rather than just an initiative for a select group of stakeholders.

She mentioned that the organization has been developing the skills of various stakeholders across Nigeria, including traditional and religious leaders, community media practitioners, journalists, and policymakers, to enhance their ability to identify and counter misinformation.

“We must recognize the power of what we are dealing with. A single photograph can convey profound stories, which is why we must all be responsible communicators.

“Let me be clear: media and information literacy is not just a project; it is a movement, and everyone must join this movement,” she asserted.

According to her, the Nigerian government, with UNESCO's support, has established a Category 2 International Centre for Media and Information Literacy, the first of its kind in Africa.

Nuhu explained that the centre will function as an international platform for training, research, and advocacy focused on media literacy and responsible information usage.

She clarified that UNESCO’s approach prioritizes community media, which are crucial for reaching grassroots audiences and mitigating the spread of misinformation, especially in light of the upcoming elections.

“To effectively reach the grassroots, you must empower community media because information flows through them,” the UNESCO official added.

What initiatives are being taken to support women in the creative sector in Nigeria?: The Nigerian government is being urged to create opportunities for women in the creative sector, including funding and platforms for their artistic expression.
How is UNESCO involved in combating misinformation in Nigeria?: UNESCO plans to partner with the Nigerian government to use virtual storytelling as a tool against fake news and is working to build the capacities of various stakeholders to enhance media literacy.
Why is community media important in the context of misinformation?: Community media are essential for reaching grassroots audiences and play a vital role in curbing misinformation, especially during critical times like elections.