NGO Urges Media to Adopt Inclusive Storytelling for Gender Equity, Accountability

A non-governmental organisation, Gender Strategy Advancement International (GSAI), has called on journalists to recognise and embrace the critical role of inclusive storytelling in promoting gender equity and holding those in power accountable.

The Executive Director of GSAI, Adaora Onyechere Sydney-Jack, appealed yesterday in Abuja during a Story Circle Exhibition themed “Gender The Agenda.” She emphasised the importance of diverse narratives in driving social change.

Sydney-Jack highlighted that inclusive storytelling enables journalists to represent better the experiences and challenges of marginalised groups, particularly women and persons with disabilities.

She noted that by incorporating a more comprehensive range of voices and perspectives, journalism can become a more powerful tool for advocacy, fostering greater understanding and advancing social equity.

She stressed that inclusive storytelling is not just an ethical responsibility but a practical necessity in holding governments and institutions accountable. By telling the stories of those often overlooked, journalists can expose injustices and push for reforms that benefit all members of society.

Sydney-Jack emphasised that understanding can only be achieved through various opinions, perspectives, and experiences. “The power of inclusive storytelling is at the centre of investigative journalism and the core of an equitable future,” she stated, underscoring storytelling’s ability to humanise complex issues.

She further elaborated that inclusive storytelling is not merely a tool but the “beating heart” of journalism. While facts and figures provide the necessary foundation, storytelling truly connects with the audience on a deeper level, evoking emotions, inspiring action, and driving meaningful change.

“Storytelling bridges the gap between information and impact, making stories resonate long after they are read or heard,” she added.

She also noted that inclusive storytelling in journalism can inspire action and drive change, whether through grassroots movements, policy changes, or institutional reforms.

“By highlighting stories of courage, perseverance, and innovation, journalists can motivate individuals and communities to take positive steps toward addressing challenges and creating a better future,” she said.

She stressed the importance of balancing factual accuracy with narrative techniques in compelling storytelling. “This blend of factual accuracy and storytelling prowess distinguishes great journalism from mere reporting,” she said.

The “Story Circle Exhibition” was described as more than just an exhibition of stories from journalists under the “Gender Agenda” collaborative media project, supported by the Wole Soyinka Center for Investigative Journalism and the MacArthur Foundation.

“It was also a showcase of journalists’ efforts, challenges, resilience, and determination in seeking the truth and demanding accountability on issues affecting women and persons with disabilities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT),” she added.

On his part, the director of the MacArthur Foundation, Mr. Kole Shettima, stated that journalism is not just about making profits, especially when it comes to investigative work.

He said, “Many newspapers and media outlets are struggling because they lack the resources for editorial independence. That’s why it’s crucial to support journalists in producing independent work.”

The executive director of the Wole Soyinka Center for Investigative Journalism, Mr. Motunrayo Alake, who broadcast journalist Kimberly Nwachukwu represented, underscored the importance of the Collaborative Media Engagement for Development Inclusivity and Accountability (CMEDIA) project, led by WSCIJ with support from the MacArthur Foundation.

She said the project aims to create an ecosystem where transparency, accountability, and good governance thrive at all levels of government, particularly at the state and local levels. With 26 direct media partners and countless other organisations involved, the project has made significant strides in amplifying the voices of the marginalised.

“The CMEDIA project has been a catalyst in amplifying marginalised voices, including those of women, youth, persons with disabilities, and those in remote communities,” she noted.

She highlighted that over 2,936 journalists, 1,275 women, have been trained in investigative and subnational reporting. “This is not just a statistic; it is a testament to our commitment to ensuring that women have a place at the table in the media landscape.”