Breaking Chains and Smashing Barriers Through Organised Defence of Women Journalists’ Rights in Somalia

MOGADISHU, Somalia - On this International Women’s Day, the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) pays tribute to the courage, resilience and professionalism of women journalists in Somalia. Women in the media play a vital role in shaping public discourse, holding power to account and amplifying the voices of the marginalised. However, they do so while enduring some of the most appalling working conditions and facing persistent threats, harassment and violence simply for pursuing their profession. 

Female journalists in Somalia work in an environment marked by precarious employment, inadequate wages and a lack of essential protections. Many are deprived of fair contracts, denied maternity rights and expected to work excessive hours without job security. Media houses often fail to provide the necessary safety measures, leaving women journalists exposed to severe risks both in and outside their workplaces. The absence of protective policies fosters a culture of impunity, where gender-based discrimination and abuses thrive unchecked.

Beyond these exploitative conditions, women journalists are subjected to a spectrum of abuses both in the newsroom and in the field. Sexual harassment, gender-based violence and coercion remain rampant, with many suffering in silence due to fear of retaliation, stigma, or job loss. Those who dare to report these abuses often face intimidation, victim-blaming, or professional exclusion. Outside the newsroom, they confront harassment, threats and even physical attacks for covering sensitive issues or challenging the status quo.

The rise of online harassment has further compounded these threats, with women journalists facing relentless abuse on digital platforms, particularly on social media. Cyberbullying and misogynistic attacks have become commonplace, aiming to silence their voices and deter them from reporting freely. The proliferation of online gender-based violence underscores the urgent need for comprehensive measures to protect women journalists from both digital and physical threats.

“As a working journalist reporting daily from the newsroom, I understand firsthand the challenges we face. We are not only striving for our right to work in a safe environment with improved conditions of service but also for our right to be heard and to lead. Women journalists must no longer be marginalised in the media industry; they must be at the forefront, shaping the news and setting the agenda. It is our steadfast duty to ensure that women in Somali media are empowered, protected and given the space to thrive,” said Nima Hassan Abdi, Organising Secretary of NUSOJ.

NUSOJ remains steadfast in its commitment to combating all forms of gender-based violence in and beyond the media. The union is intensifying efforts to root out these abuses by mounting sustained campaigns within the media sector, advocating for the full implementation of the Media Charter on Combating Gender-Based Violence. This charter serves as a vital framework for holding media organisations and practitioners accountable and ensuring the safety of women journalists.

Additionally, the union is pressing for the adoption and enforcement of workplace policies that guarantee a safe, equitable and harassment-free environment for women in the media. Media houses must implement robust mechanisms to prevent and address gender-based violence, ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable while survivors receive the support they need.

Furthermore, NUSOJ firmly believes that the media must play a transformative role in exposing and challenging gender-based violence in Somali society. Journalism must be a force for public interest, shedding light on the deep-seated injustices that women face and catalysing meaningful change. NUSOJ calls for newsrooms to actively prioritise gender-sensitive reporting and amplify women’s voices in decision-making processes.

“We want to see genuine gender equality in Somalia’s media industry. Women journalists must be given equal opportunities in top management and editorial leadership, free from discrimination and systemic barriers. The exclusion of women from senior reporting roles must come to an end without any further delay and we insist on women’s rightful place as key storytellers shaping society’s narrative,” declared Nima Hassan Abdi.

As part of the broader movement for gender justice in Somalia, the union will continue advocating for progressive policies and legislation to counter gender-based violence. The struggle for women’s rights in the media is inseparable from the broader fight for dignity, justice and equality in Somali society.