Mogadishu, Somalia – Speaking at a roundtable discussion held in Mogadishu on Tuesday, Farhia Khaire of the Somalia Women Journalists Organisation (SWJO) commended the gender tracking tool developed in collaboration with International Media Support (IMS), calling it a vital step toward greater inclusion in Somali media.
Khaire highlighted that the innovative tool not only monitors women’s representation in media content but also shapes editorial decisions and newsroom practices across the country.
“This tool goes beyond just collecting data—it is changing mindsets and newsroom cultures,” she noted.
Developed as part of broader efforts to promote gender equality and media accountability, the tracking tool offers a systematic way for media outlets to assess how often and how fairly women are portrayed in news reports.
According to Khaire, several Somali media organizations have already adopted the tool, leading to increased awareness and more balanced reporting.
The event gathered media professionals, gender advocates, and development partners to discuss the importance of gender-sensitive journalism in shaping public perception and advancing women’s rights in Somalia.
“This is a game-changer for Somali journalism,” Khaire concluded. “When women’s voices are heard and respected, society as a whole benefits.”
The SWJO and IMS continue to work together to expand the tool’s use across all regions of Somalia, aiming to foster a more equitable media landscape.