What sparks the courage in individuals to defy societal conventions and chart their course in uncharted waters? For the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS), an inherent belief in the transformative power of education and empowerment is the answer. On the cusp of February 2025, SJS triumphantly concluded another enriching episode aimed at emboldening the women journalists of Somalia, with steadfast support from the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI).

This endeavor is not simply a training session; it’s an odyssey into the realms of skill enhancement and an awakening to the pressing human rights narratives demanding to be told. Over January 29 and 30, a diverse group of 10 aspiring women journalists gathered in Mogadishu. They hailed from the city’s vibrant heart and regions like Hirshabelle, Southwest State, and Gedo, forming a tapestry of cultures and aspirations unified under one roof.

Imagine the shift in the societal canvas when women—traditionally kept on the peripheries—are empowered to elevate their voices and those of the marginalized communities they represent. This training delved into the essential tenets of journalistic safety, producing compelling narratives on gender issues, and ensuring that the echoes from underrepresented communities are amplified.

Recalling her initial trepidations, Sawsar Sheikh Faadil from RTN TV Mogadishu reflects on the profundity of the safety protocols, which became her beacon amid the chaos of everyday reportage. “Security has always weighed heavily on my mind,” she admits candidly. “Navigating through the maelstrom of Mogadishu each day, these newfound skills are not just tools, but lifelines.”

It seems astonishing how some individuals, like Kawsar Abdirahman Barkhadle from Radio Gedo, traverse conflict-riddled terrains to seek knowledge. Mogadishu became her beacon amidst the tumultuous dance between Jubaland state and federal authorities. Her hometown, Beled-Hawo, is but one locale where the specter of Al-Shabaab constantly menaces, yet such challenges only kindled the resolve within her.

Kawsar recounts, “In 2021, I embarked on my radio career against all odds, with society’s whispers of dissent echoing incessantly. Yet, it’s through these invaluable trainings that I arm myself with advocacy skills. Can SJS expand its reach to empower more women like me?”

Nurto Mohamed Hussein from Radio Warsan found camaraderie in the shared experiences of her peers—facing inadequacies in pay, safety challenges, and navigating predominantly male work environments. Her interactions at the workshop were more than just exchanges; they became revelations.

“Every conversation herein was a story waiting to be told,” Nurto mused as she compiled a report for Kaab TV. It was an exercise not just in journalism but in solidarity and storytelling, echoing the sentiments of communal resilience.

The initiative exemplifies the SJS’s motive to sculpt journalists into torchbearers of impactful narratives within their communities. As stories struggle to find their space in mainstream media, who champions their voices if not these empowered women?

“This training program represents a turning point,” shares SJS Secretary-General Abdalle Mumin. “Thanks to CFLI’s unwavering partnership, the path may be long, but the tracks of change are indelible.”

In Somalia, where women constitute a mere 20% of the journalistic workforce and endure significant wage disparities, the endeavor is more than a training—it’s a clarion call for equity and empowerment. The tale of these tenacious women does not end here. With a nurturing push from SJS’s mentorship and facilities, like newly rented studios and equipment, they stand prepared to narrate their truths and crusade against entrenched prejudices and infringements.

As Mumin eloquently puts it, “Every story they produce is a battle fought, a message delivered, and we shall persist in supporting these indefatigable women.”

SOURCE: SOMALI JOURNALISTS SYNDICATE

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring