Somali female journalists play a crucial role in raising public awareness, advocating for human rights, and promoting democracy.
Their presence in the media is essential for delivering diverse voices and ensuring a balanced representation of both men’s and women’s voices in journalism programming.
However, they continue to face significant challenges.
Beyond low or unpaid salaries, female journalists in Somalia encounter societal pressures that often downplay their role or consider journalism an unsuitable profession for women, believing they should remain at home.
Amiiro Suleiman, a journalist at Kaab TV, shared her experiences, stating that Somali society remains largely intolerant of women working in the media.
“The public still does not fully accept female journalists, although there has been some progress,” Amiiro told Kaab TV.
Advocating against harassment and stigmatisation
Last week, the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) concluded a training session in Mogadishu attended by female journalists from the regional states and Mogadishu.
With support from Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), SJS brought together women advocating for human rights who have had limited access to training opportunities, aiming to strengthen their skills.
Kawsar Barkhadle, a journalist from Radio Gedo in the town of Doolow, Gedo region, is among those striving to overcome barriers.
Insecurity remains a major issue in Gedo, with Al-Shabaab controlling rural areas and restricting women from working or moving freely.
“Becoming a journalist was my passion, but I faced significant pressure. Even my own family initially discouraged me, labeling my profession as inappropriate,” Kawsar said.
She started her journalism career in 2021 but faced severe social pressure, leading her parents to urge her to quit.
However, through persistence, she managed to convince them of the importance of her work.
Women journalists often face verbal abuse and are accused of violating cultural and religious norms, with some even being labeled derogatory terms such as “being prostitutes’.
This societal pressure has led some women to leave the profession entirely to avoid public criticism.
Anfa Aden Abdi, SJS’s Gender Secretary, has personally experienced these challenges.
As a journalist and advocate for women’s rights, she now leads initiatives supporting female journalists by providing training and fighting for their labor rights and safety.
“We have started engaging media managers to ease the pressure on female journalists and to repeatedly educate society on the importance of their role,” Anfa said.
She emphasized that women’s contributions to the media are just as vital as those of men.
“I also urge female journalists to keep pushing forward and not to bow down to pressure. Yes, we are women, and we can do it,” she added.
Self confidence, continuous learning, and skill development have been identified as key factors that can help female journalists secure their rights and advance in their careers.
