×
  • Features
  • Updated: October 22, 2022

Woes Of Northern Female Journalists

Woes Of Northern Female Journalists

Northern female Journalist find work less easier, compared to their male counterparts

"This is a man's world..."

Pretty catchy opening for one of James Brown's songs that dates back to 1966, it is still the case today in many circumstances. And more so for female journalists in the North.

The fact that women talk about feminism and women's rights isn't making things easy at all for career women. They push the limits and boundaries, waiting, hoping the woman will complain.

It is not news that female workers all over the world are paid way less than their male counterparts for the same job positions, sometimes with even more responsibility for the lady. 

Unequal pay, higher expectations

Though not properly documented, the female journalists I spoke with in Kano were furious about how they are expected to work hard, even harder than the men and still get paid less.

One Khadja with a radio station said: "Four of us were employed; two males, two females and they said we would be paid equal, we applied for similar positions."

Her anger was visible when she added: "I later found out they are being paid ₦15,000 more than myself and the other lady, when I complained, they said the man have families.

"And the other man wasn't even married," she lamented.

Khadija is not the only one angry at the workload and less pay compared to their male counterparts. 

Rukayya used to work for a media house in Kano. When I asked her what she thinks about the pay difference, she said: "I never knew they were using me until I left journalism completely.

"Do you know these people think because we are women then they should pay us less?"

Nusaiba Abdulaziz is a 26-year-old journalist in Kano, young and talented. She told me that the pay is awful compared to her male counterparts.

According to Nusaiba, that is not the only challenge she faces as a lady. It is harder to reach certain people for important discussions.

Funnily enough, the men think and say the same thing.

I threw this as s random issue to talk about amongst journalists and a guy said: "What do you use money for? Other than savings and buying unimportant things?" I was shocked.

The same set of men at management or equal level go about talking about women being financially independent, without really paying them enough to enjoy financial independence.

To earn that much money sometimes, something must go for something.

Sexualizing female journalists

Many female journalists have alleged being denied the chance to prove their worth or grow at their pace without making offerings to the boss.

Last year in Kano, a case that rocked one of the media houses brought to the limelight the extent to which bosses abuse their powers, especially on young, weak, and naive girls venturing into journalism.

A station manager was found to have molested many girls, promising them a chance to be on air.

Some did make it on air, became popular, and got used to offering themselves for positions or advertising.

But the ones who didn't make it were beyond furious. 

From personal investigations through talking to colleagues of the accused boss, between 5-10 young girls were coerced into sexual activities.

The media house later dismissed that manager but the case never made it to court.

To make things worse, some of the contacts, interviewees, or clients for commercial programs, and politicians would make their passes, acting like that's the only way to success in the field.

This attitude, in most cases, doesn't exclude married women.

A journalist who spoke to AllNews Nigeria in confidence said: "He texted me, 'I miss you', knowing fully well that I am married. I am still unable to understand what he was thinking." 

The man in question is on the board members of the media house she works.

Another said: "My phone was on speaker when an official I called days back to verify a story called back, apparently after getting clearance from his bosses, and he said I miss you Hajiya.

"I was stunned. I wasn't familiar with him, we just talked on the phone and I never gave him an indication that I am interested in him or anything of such.

"I don't think my husband was satisfied with the answer I gave the man or the explanation I gave him later. I still think he suspects me but is fighting his inner whispers."

There are tales of countless spinsters and girls being victims of sexual harassment either on the field or in the office, and the saddest part is those women are likely never to come forward with these allegations for fear of stigma.

For Nusaiba, who is single and outspoken, going to the field is very challenging as well.

Many men would try to sandwich you between them so you have nowhere to actually turn to.

Hafsat, a 23-year-old journalist, however, told me: "I have to work twice as hard as the men to get recognition. Society's perception of female journalists isn't kind to women.

"I have grown a thick skin so I don't let people's opinions bother me and my organisation tries to give praise when praise is due," she added.

Hafsah once did a program on embattled Kano cleric, Sheikh AbdulJabbar Nasiru Kabara, and the response was emotionally damaging, not just for her but all female journalists at the time.

She believes creating awareness of what being a female journalist entails would be eye-opening for a lot of people.

Work overload

The office hours are not favourable as well.

Some think women want equal rights but most women want equitable rights.

They want to be able to make a living and take care of their children, especially the kids.

Women want opportunities when duly deserved and need chances to make their lives easier but bosses are more interested in making a workaholic out of the woman in the guise of equal rights.

This is particularly tricky as you hear comments like "If you cannot cope, leave let's get who can do the job" flying from bosses' mouths.

But for the male counterparts, the story is entirely different.

Here in the North, particularly Kano, the male journalists have more free time to run about in the name of reports and whatnot. 

A woman isn't expected to do the same.

Hafsa told me: "They'll keep calling you like you're lost somewhere, asking you to return from a coverage that has not begun."

Conclusion

This is a way longer issue but wouldn't want to bore you.

However, it could be termed unfair to treat female journalists like they are less human than their male counterparts.

Many of those interviewed unanimously believe the principle of fairness needs to be applied to workers, particularly women.

"...but it's nothing without a woman or a girl," says the other part of (verse) Brown's song.

Related Topics

Join our Telegram platform to get news update Join Now

0 Comment(s)

See this post in...

Notice

We have selected third parties to use cookies for technical purposes as specified in the Cookie Policy. Use the “Accept All” button to consent or “Customize” button to set your cookie tracking settings