The Nation Newspaper

Tag: media

  • ‘Media should enhance public-police relations’

    Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Abuja Chapter, Comrade Chuks Ehirim has urged that media to engender a deepened civil interface between members of the public and the police for enhanced security.

    Ehirim said this at the award ceremony of the National Peace and Crime Free Nigeria Foundation (NPCFNF), where three FCT Police divisions were honoured for their response to distress calls and management of cases within their area.

    The award for the police formations and some senior security officials took place at the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Abuja council secretariat.

    The NUJ chairman said the relationship between members of the public and the police is characterised with mutual suspicion and therefore called for more confidence between members of the public and the police for better management of security matters.

    Speaking through the Council Secretary, Comrade Emmanuel Ogbeche who represented him at the ceremony, the NUJ chairman said the threat presently affecting the peace of the nation particularly in northern part needs the cooperation of all.

    According to him, the media is saddled with the responsibility of building a harmonious relationship between the Police and the public as it relates to journalists.

    He emphasised that the reports and commentaries written by the media go a long way to decide the political and socio-economic atmosphere of the nation at any given time.

    His words: “Fundamentally for embarking on a programme that will bring about synergy between the civilian populace and the police, a relationship that has been one of mutual suspicion, I think the time has come for us to bridge the gap and work together especially as we are faced with serious threat to our corporate existence by fundamentalists, militants and by whatever name they go by.

    “The media equally has a critical role to play in streamlining the relationships that exists between the  the various segment of society as it stands with security forces and the population at large, because the reports we make and commentaries  that we write go a long way in determining the sort of relationships that will exist in this country.   I think the media has fared well in interrogating processes of whether the policemen are being paid well or doing their jobs properly or not.

    “”I think much interaction will help in bridging this gap and in enhancing and sustaining that relationship.”

    Chairman of the occasion, Mr. James Odaudu, Assistant Director, Media and Public Affairs, Ministry of Police Affairs, said the police work under various degree of pressure.

    He said the men and women of the force deserve the understanding and commendation of the public especially award such as the one bestowed on some divisions in the FCT because their performance in relation to their limitations He said civilians, corporate bodies and the media should think more of a synergy that would engender development for the country.

    Three police divisions (Utako, Life camp and Gwagwa) were honoured for their prompt response to distress calls and quick disposal of cases within their jurisdiction.

    According to the founder of the National Peace and Crime Free Nigeria Foundation, Elder Chris DNK, Richards and winner of the M.D. Abubakar Crime reporter of the year, the occasion was to recognise the worth of an institution that is greatly misunderstood.

    Richards said the Nigeria Police is faced with myriads of challenges and yet to maintain relative peace within it’s defined civil population but the activities of some unscrupulous members has continued to “dim her noble efforts which called for this award.”

    He said Nigerians should learn to appreciate the role of the policeman and the institution he represents and help them to continue to call on the government to improve on their welfare and operations needs for effective policing of the country.

     

  • Rewarding excellence in media

    Rewarding excellence in media

    From inception, the Promasidor Quill Awards is a veritable vehicle to drive excellence, credibility, hard word and diligence in the fourth estate of the realm and to reward deserving professionals who have made the difference in journalism.

    It left no one in doubt that it has come to stay and is a unique award with a mission. Unlike other awards that dole out handouts in cash and other material rewards, the Promasidor Quill Awards adds intellectual angle that not only advance winners’ knowledge, but also improve their skills and career advancement.

    Head, Legal and Public Relations, Promasidor Nigeria Limited,Andrew Enahoro, said while announcing the commencement of entries for the maiden edition of the awards last year, “These Awards will be an annual event that would add more depth and reward reporting excellence. Winning journalists would be rewarded with befitting prizes and be given the opportunity to add to their knowledge and skills set.”

    Interestingly, as journalists across the country are submitting works for entry for this year’s edition of the awards, the five winners from the maiden edition are currently running a three-month career advancing and higher skills acquisition course at the prestigious Lagos Business School (LBS) run by the globally renowned Pan-Atlantic University.

    It will be recalled that Sodiq Adelakun of Punch newspapers won the Best Photo Story of the Year Award for his insightful photo story entitled “Helpless Gaze” published in the Sunday Punch of October 28, 2012. Tunbosun Ogundare whose feature, “Why Maths Should Be Every Student’s Favourite” published in National Mirror on Thursday, February 21, 2013 won the Most Educative Report of the Year. Daniel Obi emerged winner of Best CSR Report of the year with his article – “Nation Building through Promasidor Maths Competition CSR Initiative” -published in BusinessDay on October 30, 2012. Also, Alexander Chiejina screaming feature – “Gombe, Kano, Other States at Risk of Sahelian Crises” in BusinessDay clinched the Best Report on Nutrition; while Ngozi Okpalakune, of Champion newspapers emerged winner of Brand Advocate of the Year.

    The Promasidor Quill Awards is thorough and professional in appointing judges for the administration of the awards. The panel of judges consists of tested and thorough-bred professionals including representatives from Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), the academia and veteran journalists with proven and credible track records.

    Though in its second year running, the Awards is already exhibiting an ambition of growing beyond the dreams of its conceivers. Organisers of the awards have included two fresh categories in this year’s edition. They are: Best Report on Children and Future Reporter of the Year respectively.

    Analysts have hailed Promasidor Nigeria Limited, organisers of the awards for inclusion and focus of the two new categories. “They (Promasidor Nigeria Limited) scored another first by including the two new categories. For instance, the Future Reporter of the Year is the first of its kind aimed at rewarding and encouraging budding writers to embrace journalism as a profession and career in Nigeria. I don’t know of any other before now,” said an analyst. He added that the Best Report on Children is also unique and novel in its rights. “I can’t remember anyone winning a media award that addresses that category of writers/journalists before now. Promasidor has really done well by creating avenue for the recognition of these categories of writers who appear invisible, but are there in our media space.”

    Since the organisers of the awards declared entries open on the online portal of the Promasidor Quill Awards on September 9, the Nigeria media space has been agog with excitement. Journalists, student- journalists, aspiring media practitioners, bloggers and youths with flare for writing and enthusiasm for journalism are submittingtheir works for the awards from all parts of the country.

    According to the administrators of awards website (http://quillawards.promasidor-ng.com/index.php), the traffic of contestants visiting the portal to enter their works for the awards has been astronomical and continues to grow by the day.

    Analysts expressed no surprise at the unprecedented number of entries pouring from all over Nigeria and beyond the shores for this year’s awards. A Lagos based freelance journalist said that “I’m not surprised at the bombardment the Quill Awards portal is getting from journalists across the country. The awards not only recognise our contribution to the society, it goes ahead to richly reward winners too. Don’t forget winners will also be splashed with skill enhancing high-end gadgets like cameras, laptops, tablets, etc. It’s an opportunity no one wants to miss you know,” she said.

    Also, the reassurance by the organisers that they will continue to show commitment to the awards also explains the surge in journalists’ interest for the awards. The Managing Director of Promasidor Nigeria Limited, Chief Keith Richards reiterated that, “We are committed to continue to grow the awards as a professional platform of assessment, recognition and reward for outstanding journalistic work. These awards seek to remind journalists of the importance of their role in society and to society, the need to encourage professionalism and appreciate outstanding work,” he said.

    Assurances like this, are the driving forces of the journalists to enter for the awards.

    The judges have assured of another exciting competition this year. According to Ambassador Patrick Dele Cole, Chairman Panel of Judges, “We would like to commend every journalist, photo-journalist and blogger who entered for these awards last year. We have been impressed by the quality of the overall entries for the maiden edition and are convinced we would have more entries this year.

    “You can be rest assured that the standard of assessment by this panel is committed to ensuring that the best material wins the day. We would like to encourage our journalists to stay fresh and sincere in their career and seek to execute their work within professional ethical standards in the industry.”

  • The media made me —Iroha

    The media made me —Iroha

    Former Super Eagles defender Benedict Iroha has praised the media for propelling him to stardom in his playing days and now as a professional coach.

    Iroha said he was not disturbed by reports alleging that he was being aided by the media to get the Flying Eagles coaching job.

    He told SportingLife that but for the media he would not have been successful as a players, let alone a successful coach.

    He argued that if the media decides to write that he is capable and qualified to handle the Flying Eagles coaching job, there shouldn’t be any controversy about that.

    “I am media-friendly and I have enjoyed the support of the media since my playing days and I believe we have really enjoyed a cordial relationship, as far as I am concerned.

    “But that doesn’t mean I am using the media to gain advantage to get the job. No, not at all.

    “What I sincerely believe is that I have served this nation well both in pains and sweats. I can also confess that I enjoyed it when it lasted and I count myself also lucky to have been given this rare privilege of serving my fatherland.

    “Also, I have served the nation meritoriously, so, if I have the opportunity of coaching the U-20 national team now, I believe I merit it and am qualified to handle the job. I don’t really see any fuss about it”, Iroha said.

  • NFF chief: Media can’t give Iroha top post

    NFF chief: Media can’t give Iroha top post

    An official of the nigerian football federation (nff) has said media hype will not get ex-international, Ben Iroha, the Nigeria U20 team top coaching post.

    Ben Iroha on Thursday officially dropped his application indicating interest for the position vacated by John Sam Obuh.

    “We know his antecedents as assistant coach in some of the national teams,” said the top official of the NFF who is also a member of the NFF technical committee.

    “We know he is trying to use the media to get the job but go and tell him we know him better than the media.”

    Iroha has worked as assistant coach with both the Nigeria U17 and U23 teams.

    MTNFootball.com investigations reveal that the football house after being impressed with the work been done by the Manu Garba-led Golden Eaglets are nursing the idea of graduating one of the coaches from the team to the Flying Eagles.

    Obuh stepped down as Flying Eagles coach after he failed to get the team past the Round of 16 at the 2013 FIFA U20 World Cup in Turkey recently.

  • Adeyemo wants adequate media coverage for Glo league, others

    Adeyemo wants adequate media coverage for Glo league, others

    The proprietor of Olutayo FC of Ilorin, Dr Joseph Adeyemo, has called for adequate media hype for all Nigerian Leagues, to enhance the development of football in the country.

    Adeyemo made the call on Saturday in Ilorin while receiving the executive members of the Kwara chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) led by its Chairman, Bunmi Adedoyin.

    The owner of the Nationwide League team noted that adequate coverage and publicity would eliminate the win-at-home syndrome.

    “Adequate coverage and publicity will also correct some of the anomalies affecting the lower leagues,’’ the proprietor said.

    He added that apart from adequate publicity, the various leagues in the country also needed good officiating. Adeyemo said he was optimistic that the various leagues would improve if officials were fair in their officiating. He then called on the League Management Company to encourage club owners with sponsorships and other incentives.

    According to him, adequate publicity would attract sponsors, both corporate and individuals, for the various clubs in the league. The proprietor pledged to partner with SWAN to ensure the successful hosting of its forthcoming Media Games.

    Earlier in his remarks, SWAN Chairman commended Adeyemo for floating the Olutayo FC now playing in the Nationwide League One.

    Adedoyin called for the support of the proprietor to ensure the success of the third Media Games.

  • Impact-driven journalism

    Impact-driven journalism

    The first ever Impact Journalism Day- a unique project involving 20 leading newspapers across the world publishing dedicated sections packed with creative solutions to global issues on the same day- was marked on Saturday.

    The project, initiated by Sparknews in collaboration with media partners, seeks to kick start change in the way we think of news and newspapers. It promotes reporting of the best, smartest initiatives, with the hope of inspiring others to replicate, innovate and communicate the ideas to others.

    The Nation is proud to be one of the media partners for the project, which I consider very thoughtful considering the need for the media to more than ever before seek to make more impact in the lives of their audience.

    With the global economic crisis, many are in search of solutions to the various challenges they have to cope with. Living has become tougher in not only underdeveloped nations but also in developing and developed nations. Unemployment is on the rise, poverty is growing, more diseases are emerging, environmental degradation is worsening and terrorism is spreading worldwide among others problems.

    In the midst of the bleak situation, readers as Christian de Boisredon, founder of Sparknews rightly puts it, are hungry for stories with a difference. He says they want “stories that bring hope and concrete solutions, at both local and global level. They are looking for signs of change they can identify with. Change that will make them think…and act”.

    The media undoubtedly has immense capacity to influence their audience and have been doing so through fulfilling its educating, informing and entertaining functions. It’s difficult to imagine life without the mass media, which beyond the traditional print and electronic medium now include the online platforms.

    We really live in troubled times in which the media should be interested in helping to provide solutions. We have to move from just telling stories and highlighting problems to providing concrete solutions. Journalism for journalism sake cannot serve the present generation of readers who have found themselves in desperate situations requiring urgent ideas about how to survive.

    With the media not been immune from the economic crisis, the temptation for the media will be to be more ‘business like’ and focus on issues that could sell their papers and not salient issues their readers want to read about. While media owners should be concerned about their survival they must now fail in their social responsibility to the readers.

    Journalism must impact on the lives of the people or else it will become irrelevant. Journalists must make a conscious effort to identify the challenges in their community and contribute to solving them.

    Journalists should be concerned about the positive impact of their work through feedbacks from their audience.

    Readers need hope to believe that tomorrow will come. They need to be inspired to know that they can overcome whatever challenges they are going through presently. They need to be encouraged to maximize their potentials.

    With the world now being truly a global village, thanks to the Internet, there is the opportunity to seek and share solutions to global issues. The Impact Journalism Day should serve as a reminder for journalists to make the world a better place through their publications.

     

  • ‘Why I shy away from the media’

    ‘Why I shy away from the media’

    Multi-talented mother, Ashionye Ugboh-Raccah is currently reveling in the relative success of her gender inspired movie titled Journey to Self. The ex member of the defunct group, Emete who has featured in M-net’s produced ‘Doctors Quarters’, Tinsel and Lillian Amah’s Jungle Ride which fetched her an AMAA nomination. She opened up on a range of issues in this interview with AHMED BOULOR.

    HAD you always wanted to be in the entertainment industry?

    No. I had always wanted to be a lawyer. I liked the fact that they defend people. I see myself as someone who defends the weak. I do not regret forgoing law for what I am doing at the moment. I am sure that I am where God wants me to be.

    We know you as a musician, now that you have adopted movies, is that the end of your musical career?

    No way. I actually have an album ready. But I am not planning to promote it now. I am still going to the studio to do more music. I am not ready to do any music promotion. You will soon hear from me musically. For now, we are working on the sound track album for the Journey to Self movie. There are lots of artistes on it, including myself.

    Which are you more of, a musician or an actor?

    Playing the role of an actor is different from playing the role of a musician. As a musician, when I am on stage I have fun and I’m myself. When I’m acting, I play a character, which is not me. I love doing both. I am also a presenter on radio and TV. I love doing those as well.

    Are there still some hidden talents you are yet to exhibit?

    Like they say, keep your fingers crossed. There are many things about Ashionye you will get to know later.

    What is the movie Journey to Self all about?

    The movie is all about friendship, sacrifice, empowerment and self-respect. It is a film about four friends who lost a friend. One of the friends left behind a letter, which made the others have a re-think about their lives, this led them to a journey of self-discovery.

    Was there a part of you in the movie?

    Not really. What inspired me into writing such story are the experiences of women that I have read about; those I have met through various NGOs. I remember I was in a stage play and such issues were part of the play.

    There are also issues about women being battered and one even beaten to death by her husband. I was so upset about these situations and the only way I could turn things around or make an impact was to write a movie about it. There was no personal experience involved but I could feel the pain of many women and I could create something out of that.

    Was it emotional for you writing the script?

    I actually cried a lot while writing. It took me three months to write and it was a big struggle for me. You know I have a young son who constantly needs my attention. I would be up till three at night sometimes. Most times when I write, I burst into tears because I know that there are a lot of women who are facing the things I am writing about.

    Do you think the film will make the needed impact?

    I believe that a lot of people who watch Journey to Self will relate to it whether they are in the situation or they know somebody who is. The movie is captivating and emotion- filled. So, definitely, a lot of people will feel it and get the message.

    This is the first time you are writing a screenplay, directing and acting all at once and you also have a little baby; how did you sail through all that?

    It was fantastic. The timing was right. I worked with a partner, who was the executive producer. Tope Osiugun, who was the director, was very brilliant. She did everything with clockwork precision. So, we had very few issues. She is also a female. So, she quickly understood what we were trying to achieve; she understood the message.

    Did you encounter any challenges while shooting the movie?

    To be serious, there was none I could point to. Everyone was mature and they knew what to do even down to the kids who acted in the movie. Once they said ‘action,’ everyone was in character. Even the crew was on point. I would say the maturity of the cast and crew and the grace of God made the shoot a success.

    Before Journey to Self, you had been kind of silent…

    I was pregnant and then I had a baby boy. I took two years off the entertainment scene to raise my son and be with my family. Now I am back and Journey to self is the re-launching pad.

    Are you working on other projects?

    For now, I will continue to promote Journey to Self. Then there are other projects on the pipeline. There is a TV production we will be working on. For now, it is still on the scripting stage. We are planning to do quality movies that can compete internationally, so we are not rushing anything.

    Are there other movies you are working on?

    There are some. I am speaking with a top producer at the moment; we will be shooting very soon.

    Tell us about motherhood?

    I am a proud mother and my son is my sunshine. He has changed a lot about me. He has made me a lot mature and has made me very patient. Many people think that it is my husband that locked me at home. It is common in this part of the world, when a woman has a baby and decides to sit at home to take care of the baby they think the husband has made her a housewife.

    My husband did not make me a housewife. I personally decided to stay at home. I still want to have more babies. Though I am back to work now, there are still a lot for me to do. My family is more important.

    Do you support any advocacy initiative?

    With the little I have done, I have been able to impact people. You remember the ‘Girl Power initiative’, and now the Journey to Self. All these I know are touching people’s lives and that on its own is rewarding. I am also helping a lot of people through various NGOs.

    Why do you think bands and groups do not last?

    I guess most of it has to do with being young. Many of these groups consist of very young members. For example, the pressure of being famous is more on a young artiste than an adult. But there is always a bright side from such break-ups. Many of the big names you find today in the music industry, they had once been in one group or the other. Also, there is no structure in the music industry today.

    Will you say that you are lucky to have a husband who is in the entertainment industry?

    I will say I am lucky to have the husband I have. But if you are saying that I am lucky to have a husband who does everything for me, I will say no. I have heard that a lot. They will say if not for her husband, she will not be where she is. I am an intelligent young woman. My husband does not write my songs for me or my scripts. So, it is neither because my husband is in the industry or being a white man that Ashionye became a success. It is hard work.

    But you will agree that it is a plus to your career to have such a husband?

     

  • Civil society group urges media to use FoI Act

    A civil society coalition, the One Voice, has urged the media to make more use of the Freedom of Information (FoI) Act to hold the government accountable.

    Presenting a survey at a media forum in Lagos, the group said since the Act’s passage in 2011, there has been no report of any media organisation taking government to court over denial of access to information.

    The forum had the theme: Media and Democratic Governance: The need for media pluralism.

    One Voice comprises groups such as the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP); the Human Rights Law Service (HURILAWS); the Centre for Constitutional Governance (CCG); Access to Justice (A2J); The Network on Police Reform in

    Nigeria (NOPRIN), among others.

    All are supported by the United States National Endowment for Democracy.

    Speakers included Executive Director, Media Rights Agenda, Edeatan Ojo; Dr Tayo Popoola of the University of Lagos, Deputy Law Editor, ThisDay Newspaper Mr Jude Igbanoi, and Chair, One Voice Media Committee, Pastor Deji Adeleye, who read the survey report.

    The group sought more collaboration with the media, saying: “The Nigerian media needs the civil society organisations as non-state actors to advance the cause of democracy and good governance, just as the civil society groups cannot do it alone without the media.

    “The media in a way have become one of the strongest linkage institutions – bridging, as it were, the gap between the state and the citizens.”

    One Voice said the survey showed that the level of newspaper report on transparency, accountability and other good governance issues was seen by 65.63 per cent of respondents as low.

    The report said most newspaper reports are mostly sensational and lack investigative depth; while others are too patronising of government, even to the point of self-censorship.

    It attributed the decline in the quality of newspaper reports the “brown envelope” syndrome, ownership interests, unskilled reporters, poor and unpaid salaries and corruption.

    One Voice said: “The media serves as an effective check on those in power. They serve as the eye, ear and voice of the larger society. Indeed, it upholds the right of the public to know.

    “However, the ability and willingness of the media to carry out this function effectively depend largely on the form of the state in which the media operate and the character of the media itself.

    “This is another way of saying that there is a correlation between the existence of a free media and democratic governance. As a matter of fact, one of the main distinguishing features of a democratic form of government is the existence of free and independent media.

    Igbanoi said some of the limitations of media outfits include economic considerations.

    “The truth of the matter is that civil society is very critical of the government and understandably so.

    “But every media outfit wants to survive and must survive on patronage from the government at all levels, from ministries, government agencies and parastatals.

    “Therefore, the economic logic is very simple, ‘publish and be damned!’ So, when a newspaper engages in overtly and openly criticising the government and its agencies, it is tantamount to economic suicide,” Igbanoi said.

    He added that a balance must be struck between the media’s survival needs and effectively carrying out the watchdog role.

     

  • Social media and students’ writing skills

    Social media and students’ writing skills

    SIR: Social media has made information and communication accessible to everyone irrespective of age, time, distance and many more. The world has become a global village with new technological advancement and the free flow of information and media content.

    The advent of social media has impacted on the way students communicate with one another especially in written form. Colloquialism is acceptable in spoken language but never in formal writing. Indeed, the way students communicate has changed completely because of the frequent use of social media like facebook, tweeter, 2go, BBM, Whatsapp, Badoo, and so on.

    However, these modern forms of communication that students use while chatting or interacting in social media is gradually influencing the way students write in the school. We have heard several reports or cases of such abnormal writing skills that have been developed or adopted by students due to their constant interaction in the social media. Terms such as laugh out loud or lot of love are being abbreviated to (lol), BRB to mean, be right back, UW to mean you welcome, U to represent you, letter D to represent the, R to represent are, and many other words and terms like that.

    Lecturers and teachers have reported a dramatic decline in the writing abilities of students. They do not capitalise words or use punctuation marks rightly anymore. Universities, polytechnics, colleges and even secondary schools are complaining about the trend of communication style being used by students via the use of social media.

    The opportunities that are inherent in the use of social media have been strongly abused especially by the students. Most students do not know the appropriate time to use social media. They use it even when their lecturers, teachers are in class lecturing or teaching and sometimes, lecturers would have to seize their phones and enforce punishment on such students.

    Consequently, the need for media literacy education becomes imperatives for children who are approaching adolescent age. This will give the children early and proper understanding of how to broaden their thoughts, skills, knowledge and provide them the opportunity to explore, learn and share his/her views with other people around the world.

    • Habiba Abubakar Yahaya

    IBB University, Lapai, Niger State.

  • IFJ urges media to rethink sterotypes of women in news

    IFJ urges media to rethink sterotypes of women in news

    The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) on Thursday marked the International Women’s Day by calling on media organisations to help overcome dangerous stereotypes that contribute to discrimination, by rethinking the way they portray women in the media.

    This call follows a series of initiatives undertaken by the IFJ in recent years to campaign for a fair and balanced gender portrayal in the news, recognising the role and responsibility of journalists and the media.
    The IFJ says that the development of guidelines and gender ethical reporting checklists is a starting point to address stereotypes, silence, repression, intimidation (violence) and discrimination. It is now time to take further actions.
    “We recognise that shining a light in places where some do not want their actions to be seen, can be a very dangerous business. However, taking our own responsibilities for ethical gender reporting means to break through dangerous stereotypes, and walls of silence hiding discrimination, violence, and sometimes death,” says Mindy Ran, chair of the IFJ gender council.
    “As well as fair and balanced reporting, our responsibility is also about minimising potential harm to those we interview, recognising that the glare of the media can bring its own danger, and that those seldom heard voices at the edge are as important as those shouting in the middle.”
    In a special newsletter to mark International Women’s Day, the IFJ Gender Council is calling on journalists’ unions and media to reflect on the choices they make in the production of news and to reflect on the negative impact this may have on the public’s perception of women and on women’s lives.
    “Not presenting women’s lives as essential, valuable and worthy of respect, but as simply victims or second class citizens, tells whole new generations that it is ok to do so, when clearly – it is not,” warns Ran.
    As part of its activities leading up to International Women’s Day, the IFJ is also conducting a series of safety trainings for women in Lebanon, Iraq, Palestine, Lebanon, Yemen, Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco.

    ” The IFJ is committed to ensuring that women journalists who report from the front line and other challenging situations learn life-saving skills with a special emphasis on gender mainstreaming,” added Beth Costa, IFJ General Secretary.