Mogadishu, Somalia – The Somali Women Journalists Association (SOMWA), in collaboration with the Federation of Somali Journalists (FESOJ) and with support from the Royal Norwegian Embassy, held a high-level workshop in Mogadishu this week to spotlight the increasing threats facing journalists in Somalia, particularly women.
The forum brought together media professionals, civil society representatives, government officials, and international partners to discuss the alarming rise in attacks, intimidation, and harassment targeting journalists. Female journalists, according to participants, are especially vulnerable to gender-based threats, online abuse, and workplace discrimination.
The workshop emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive legal reforms to protect journalists and ensure accountability for press freedom violations. Speakers highlighted the lack of legal safeguards for media practitioners and called on Somali lawmakers to enact legislation aligned with international standards on freedom of expression and media independence.
“Women journalists are being silenced not only by threats and harassment but by systemic gaps in the law. We are calling for stronger protections, better enforcement mechanisms, and a culture of ethical journalism that supports diversity and inclusion in the media,” said SOMWA chairperson Fatima Abdullahi
The event also underscored the importance of promoting ethical journalism and strengthening professional standards. Panelists encouraged media institutions to implement codes of conduct, offer gender-sensitive training, and ensure that women have equal opportunities for leadership and decision-making roles in the newsroom.
FESOJ officials praised the workshop as “an important step toward a safer and freer press in Somalia,” while representatives from the Norwegian Embassy reiterated their government’s commitment to supporting media development and gender equality in Somalia.
As press freedom in Somalia continues to face serious challenges, including arbitrary arrests and politically motivated prosecutions, SOMWA and its partners vowed to intensify their advocacy efforts and work toward a safer, more accountable environment for all journalists.
The workshop concluded with a set of key recommendations, including establishing a national journalist protection mechanism, revising outdated media laws, and increasing support services for journalists facing threats.