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A survey of 58 women journalists in Northern Nigeria reveals high levels of work-related stress, emotional exhaustion, and a lack of institutional mental health support. Many respondents reported considering leaving the profession due to these pressures and the stigma surrounding mental health.
Why it matters
It underscores the systemic challenges and mental health crisis facing women in media, particularly in regions with limited workplace support structures.
Mata Media Organisation and Mata Media Foundation are calling for greater attention to the mental health and wellbeing of women journalists following an exploratory survey of 58 women journalists across Northern Nigeria.
The survey, “Silent Burdens, Shared Strengths: Understanding Mental Health, Stigma and Systems of Care Among
Women Journalists in Northern Nigeria,” examined work-related stress, emotional wellbeing, sources of support and
the availability of newsroom care systems.
KEY FINDINGS
Among the 58 respondents:
91% experience work-related stress at least sometimes.
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78% experience emotional exhaustion or burnout.
86% experience workload or information-overload exhaustion.
50% (29 respondents) have considered leaving journalism because of its impact on their wellbeing.
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