Somali Media Women Association

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Somali Media Women Association

Empowering women

29/09/2025

A new digital challenge has emerged for Somali journalists, who face persistent physical assault, intimidation, confiscation of equipment, and deletion of their recorded materials as the world moves digital.

Speaking at the World News Day X space discussion hosted by
on Why do a free, independent press and access to reliable facts matter in Somalia?, Maryan Seylac SOMWA ED stated, "Last year the highest number of Somali journalists were subjected to 'false memorialisation' (fake death announcements), creating a wave of fear. Currently, there has also been an increase in false accusations against journalists for violating Meta's community standards, which we are fighting to eliminate; without a fully free press, fact-based journalism will not be possible.

Click the clip below to listen to her call.

👇🏾

26/09/2025

Please, tune us in today at 9:00 PM. EAT for our discussion: “Why a Free, Independent Press & Access to Reliable Facts Matter in Somalia.”

In a world full of noise, real journalism must be seen and heard for its value to be recognised. Show your support for fact-based news this —join us and stand for good journalism.

🗣️ Panelists:

Leyla Mohame Ugbaad, editor of Radio Ergo at IMS (International Media Support), with 13 years of experience in multimedia.

Sowda Husein | Senior journalist, women’s rights activist, Vice ED of SOMWA

Mohamed Deeq Abdalla | Deputy Chair, MAP & press freedom advocate

Hanad Ali Guled, media trainer, criminologist & senior journalist.

Moderator: Salma Hussein, journalist and media freedom expert.
Below is our X handle. Follow us and join the discussion.
https://x.com/SOMWA4/status/1971606753650327842

because

World News Day

25/09/2025

X space announcement.
In the second year, SOMWA is proud to join the World News Day campaign to amplify the power and impact of journalism.

A free & independent press is vital to democracy, peace & accountability. In Somalia, where journalists face threats, censorship, and attacks, reliable information is not just news — it is survival.
Join us this Friday, 26 Sept. | 🕘 9:00 PM EAT, where leading voices in media & press freedom will discuss 'Why do a free, independent press and access to reliable facts matter in Somalia?'.

Our panelists
Sowda Husein | Senior journalist, women’s rights activist, Vice ED of SOMWA
Mohamed Deeq Abdalla | Deputy Chair, MAP & press freedom advocate
Hanad Ali Guled | Media trainer, criminologist & senior journalist
Leyla Abdi Ahmed | Journalist & women in media activist.

Please save the date.

World News Day

19/08/2025

Celebrating World Photography Day – Honouring Aisha Hassan Zubeir

On this World Photography Day, the Somali Media Women Association proudly recognises the remarkable work and dedication of Aisha Hassan Zubeir, an inspiring young photographer from Mogadishu.

Aisha made history as the first female photographer of the Somali President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, breaking barriers in a field long dominated by men. Her passion for photography was inspired by her late father, Hassan Zubeir, a renowned cameraman who tragically lost his life in the 2009 Shamo Hotel bombing.

Despite facing security risks and societal stigma, Aisha has carried forward her father’s legacy with exceptional courage and resilience. Her journey reflects not only her personal strength but also the limitless potential of Somali women who challenge norms, overcome obstacles, and set examples for future generations.

Today, we celebrate Aisha’s achievements as a beacon behind the lens and an enduring symbol of creativity, resilience, and empowerment.

17/08/2025

The Somali Media Women Association launches a nationwide campaign aimed at embedding gender-sensitive reporting standards in Somalia’s newsrooms.
Newsrooms sign a Commitment Pledge, formally declaring their dedication to upholding the highest standards of fairness, inclusion, and ethics in their professional work.

“We cannot expect change if inclusivity remains a matter of individual choice rather than institutional policy,” said , Executive Director of SOMWA. “Our campaign is not just about awareness — it is about creating permanent structures and practices that ensure every newsroom treats gender sensitivity as a professional standard.”
Phase one of this campaign was sponsored by .
Full report 👇🏾
https://shorturl.at/h3Eer

06/08/2025

SOMWA successfully concluded a two-day training in physical and online safety for over 20 female journalists in Mogadishu. The programme focused on crucial topics like situational and personal awareness, equipping participants with the skills needed to navigate dangerous reporting environments.

Today's session covered responding to threats such as crossfire, bombings, and SVBIEDs. The training included powerful, firsthand accounts from survivor participants, offering a space for shared experience and healing.

The training concluded with powerful remarks from MP Abdirahman Mohamed of the Somali parliament, former Banadir TV director Abdulahi Wiish, and SOMWA's executive director, Maryan Seylac.
MP Mohamed urged vigilance in hostile environments, while Maryan Seylac highlighted the unique challenges female journalists face.

As she stated, protecting their safety is vital for ensuring a free and diverse press and promoting gender equality in the media.

A big thank you to the United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia () for their generous support in making this essential training possible.

05/08/2025

Empowering Female Journalists in Somalia.
Today in Mogadishu, the SOMWA launched a crucial two-day training programme focused on physical and digital safety for female journalists. This initiative tackles the unique and serious challenges that women in the media face in Somalia.

The training programme is designed to address key issues, including:

Physical Safety: Equipping journalists with the skills to navigate conflict zones and high-risk environments.

Digital Security: Providing knowledge and tools to protect personal identity, data, and communications from online threats.

Institutional Support: Helping to establish safety protocols and peer support systems within media organisations.

During the opening of the training, Abdishakur Ali Ahmed, Director of Communication Strategy at the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, highlighted how this training will enable journalists to better detect, prevent, and respond to threats.

Maryan Seylac, SOMWA's executive director, explained that the program is specifically tailored for female journalists who encounter additional threats, like gender-based online harassment, sexual intimidation, and social stigma. The curriculum includes dedicated modules on digital hygiene, psychosocial well-being, and strategies for handling professional and community pressures.

Abdirahman Hudeyfi, the director of Public Affairs at the Presidency, further emphasised the heightened risks faced by female journalists in the country, where they are often targets of online gender-based violence, including doxxing and cyberbullying.

This training represents a vital step toward creating a safer working environment for female journalists in Somalia.
United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS), your support is highly appreciated.

09/07/2025

The Somali Media Women Association (SOMWA), in collaboration with the Federation of Somali Journalists (FESOJ) and with support from the Royal Norwegian Embassy, held a one-day workshop in Mogadishu on press freedom and the protection of journalists in Somalia.
The workshop highlighted the increasing threats faced by journalists and emphasised the urgent need to strengthen press freedom and journalist safety through legal reform, awareness, dialogue, and capacity building.

In his opening remarks, Carsten Carlsen, Chargé d’Affaires of the Norwegian Embassy, condemned the harassment, intimidation, and imprisonment of journalists, often linked to state actors, calling such actions "unacceptable under any circumstances".
SOMWA Executive Director Maryan Seylac, delivering the keynote address, drew attention to the unique risks faced by female journalists, including sexual harassment, online abuse, defamation, and threats to their families—stating that these violations aim not only to silence but to erase women from the profession.

The workshop concluded with a dynamic panel discussion on recent media crackdowns, the need for stronger legal protections, and the role of ethical journalism in upholding democracy.

06/07/2025

SOMWA has just wrapped up a powerful 2-day training in Baidoa with 25 female journalists on physical and online safety.
📌 Today's session focused on:
Situational AwarenessPersonal and Cultural AwarenessCounter-Surveillance, Crossfire Situations, Bombings SVBIED (Su***de Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices) and VBIED (Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices).
🎤 In the closing event, Maryan Seylac stated, "Female journalists in Baidoa face a more pronounced threat profile. In addition to the physical dangers, online gender-based violence—including doxxing, cyberbullying, and threats of sexual violence—disproportionately targets female journalists. These risks are compounded by social stigma, lack of trauma support, and cultural barriers, often forcing women to self-censor, leave the profession, or suffer in silence."
Minister Bilal of ministery of information and culture responded to a call for legislation to address the physical and online safety of female journalists. He indicated that his team would work on such legislation. He also encouraged female journalists to take an active role in promoting women's political participation.
Participants expressed their gratitude for the training, describing it as one that will make a significant difference in their daily work lives, both physical and online.

05/07/2025

📍 Happening Now in Baidoa!
We’re hosting vital training on physical and online safety for female journalists with 25 courageous women journalists from the region.

Maryan Seylac, Executive Director of SOMWA, opened the session by highlighting the growing number of online and offline violations targeting women in media. She shared alarming statistics recorded so far this year, calling for stronger protections and urgent action. Maryan added: "SOMWA, in partnership with IWMF, developed a comprehensive safety manual tailored for Somali women journalists, covering both field-based risks (e.g., crossfire, surveillance, checkpoints) and online threats (e.g., doxxing, cyber harassment, data breaches). This manual is a game changer, and every female journalist should have it."
This training aims to equip female journalists with the tools and knowledge to stay safe, both in the field and online.
This timely and important training is sponsored by
United Nations Transitional Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS)

15/06/2025

Codka Bay iyo Bakool.

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