By Beatrice Gondyi, Bauchi
30 female journalists in Bauchi have received specialized training on protecting their mental health, in a bid to address the growing emotional and psychological challenges faced by women in the media industry.
They were also trained on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in news reporting, aimed at boosting digital skills and promoting gender inclusion in the media sector.
The one-day workshop, organized by the Bauchi State chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) in collaboration with mental health professionals and computer scientists, brought together reporters, broadcasters, and editors from various media houses across the state.
Participants learned practical strategies for managing stress, trauma, and burnoutโparticularly in the context of covering sensitive stories such as gender-based violence, conflict, and humanitarian crises.
Participants were also introduced to AI-powered tools for fact-checking, transcription, data analysis, audience engagement, and content translation.
In her remarks, Hajiya Rashida Yusuf Chairperson of NAWOJ Bauchi, said the program was part of a larger effort to promote the safety and well-being of women in journalism.
“We cannot continue to ignore the emotional toll this profession takes. A healthy journalist is a better journalist, and mental health must be a priority,” she said.
The training featured interactive sessions led by psychologists, including techniques for emotional resilience, setting work boundaries, and seeking support when needed.
One participant, Salamatu Labaran, of Globe FM, described the workshop as eye-opening and deeply personal.
“Many of us have been carrying silent burdens from the stories we tell. This training gave us the tools to take care of ourselves while doing our jobs effectively,”she said.
The participants were urged to imbibe follow-up mentorship sessions to ensure they continue to apply the lessons learned, and to build a network of peer support for women journalists in the state.
Media trainer and AI specialist Asiya Rade in her presentation, emphasized that AI is becoming an essential tool for modern journalism, From detecting misinformation to automating routine newsroom tasks, AI can help women journalists compete on equal footing in the digital age,she said.
The training also addressed the ethical challenges of AI in media, including bias in algorithms, deepfake detection, and the importance of human oversight in AI-assisted reporting.
Participants welcomed the initiative as a timely response to the rapid changes in news production.
“This training has given me the confidence to use AI tools to make my stories more accurate, engaging, and far-reaching,said Fati Baba, a reporter with the bauchi state television.
participants noted that the training is a welcome development as it is part of a wider effort to equip women journalists in Northern Nigeria with emerging tech skills, ensuring their voices remain strong and relevant in shaping public discourse.
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