Mogadishu, Somalia – Ten women journalists representing Somalia’s Federal Member States — Puntland, Southwest, HirShabelle, Jubbaland, and Galmudug — concluded an intensive 10-day training in Mogadishu aimed at strengthening women’s leadership in journalism and enhancing reporting skills in a rapidly evolving digital media environment.
The program was spearheaded by Bilan Media, Somalia’s pioneering all-women media team, and supported by UNDP Somalia with funding from the European Union. The training equipped participants with tools in fact-checking, digital journalism, field reporting, and editorial leadership, offering more than just technical skill-building.
“This training is about empowerment and connection. It’s about amplifying women’s voices in newsrooms and communities,” said a representative from Bilan Media.
Beyond practical instruction, the workshop served as a safe and dynamic space for mentorship, peer learning, and bold dialogue. Participants forged relationships with fellow journalists from around the globe — including Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and Eastern Europe — through virtual exchanges that deepened their understanding of journalism’s global challenges and opportunities.
In a country where the media remains largely male-dominated and press freedom is often under threat, these journalists are not just reporting stories — they are transforming the narrative. They now return to their regions as more confident leaders, committed to ensuring that Somali women’s perspectives are heard and respected in public discourse.
UNDP Somalia praised the initiative, stating it reflects a broader commitment to gender equality, civic engagement, and professional media development in Somalia.