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

MOGADISHU, Somalia – Imagine a world where a woman’s voice in journalism echoes safely and powerfully, yet still struggles to break through a sombre cloud of oppression. On this International Women’s Day, the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) shines a light on the indomitable spirit of Somali women in media – women who bravely mold public opinion, hold those in power accountable, and bring the struggles of the marginalised into the spotlight. They do all of this under a persistent shadow of threats, harassment, and, regrettably, potential violence. These aren’t mere stories; they are the lived experiences of many.

In Somalia, female journalists are often caught in a web of vulnerabilities: a precarious environment marked with job instability, insufficient pay, and scant safety nets. Can you imagine working tirelessly without basic rights such as maternity leave, or being expected to clock endless hours without the protective cushion of job security? For many, this is not imagination, but daily reality. Media houses, in their failure to implement safety measures, expose female reporters to considerable risks – a culture of apathy that allows gender-based discrimination to run rife.

But the office isn’t the only battlefield. In the very spaces where truth is uncovered, these courageous women face harassment and even violence. Whether it be insidious coercion disguised as camaraderie or overt aggression, the threats are relentless. It’s a labyrinth of fear and silence, where speaking out might cost them their professional standing or result in victim-blaming. Yet, they persevere, carrying the weight of societal expectations on fragile shoulders.

Lately, the virtual world offers no respite. Online platforms, which promise freedom and expression, often become arenas for cyberbullying and misogyny. The venom of digital harassment aims to stifle their voices. But we must ask ourselves, at what point will society stand unwaveringly in defense of these truth-tellers?

“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,” says Nima Hassan Abdi, Organising Secretary of NUSOJ.

With a resolute heart, NUSOJ is embarking on a mission to uproot gender-based violence, both within media confines and beyond. They are driving forward with advocacy for stringent enforcement of the Media Charter on Combating Gender-Based Violence. This isn’t just a piece of paper, but a beacon of accountability aimed at reshaping the landscape of media safety.

But what good is accountability without a nurturing environment? The union is adamant that media organisations must not only prevent incidents of abuse but also support survivors. It’s a clarion call for media establishments to nurture an ecosystem where harassment is met with zero-tolerance and where every journalist feels cherished and secure.

Indeed, the role of journalism is monumental. It’s a conduit for transparency and enlightenment, a mirror reflecting society’s truths, however inconvenient they may be. NUSOJ implores newsrooms to centre gender-sensitive reporting and ensure women’s narratives are not just included, but celebrated in crafting societal discourse.

“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,” declared Nima Hassan Abdi.

The momentum for gender justice is swelling. There’s no place for exclusion in the realm of change-makers. NUSOJ continues to champion policy reforms and legislation that bolster women’s rights in the media sector. After all, the voice of a woman journalist is not just a professional attribute; it is a crucial instrument for the larger fight for justice, dignity, and equality in Somali society.

With each brave word spoken, each narrative published, one begins to see the indelible impact of facts over complacency. Could this be the era where women in Somali media not only find their seat at the table but redefine its very legacy? The answer, profoundly, rests within continued collective action and unwavering support.

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring