How female voices are reshaping the Somali story

Last year marked a promising chapter for the Somali media landscape. As we look back at our progress, one thing is abundantly clear: the future of public interest content in Somalia is increasingly female, digital, and resilient.

Under our latest project in Somalia (Media Resilience and Inclusive Public Interest Content), we aren't just teaching journalism; we are investing in the structural integrity of our nation’s information ecosystem. Here is how our team and our partners are developing what it means to report in the digital age.

For too long, female journalists in Somalia have faced systemic barriers to leadership. During a previous project with SIDA, we saw those barriers start to crumble. We watched with immense pride as our mentees transitioned from trainee roles to senior editorial positions.

At Radio Warsan and Radio Goobjoog, these women are no longer just participating in the conversation - they are leading it as deputy editors and senior producers. Their success is a testament to the power of long-term, high-quality mentoring.

"I’ve grown from research to editing... I now feel fully equipped to create professional, high-quality programmes," says Maryan Ali, a newly appointed editorial lead at Radio Warsan in Baidoa in South West state of Somalia.

In an era of rampant information disorder, the ability to distinguish fact from fiction is a survival skill. Our recent training and mentoring efforts have yielded very positive results:

• Fact-checking: After our specialised Somali-language course, 83% of participants said they are "very familiar" with advanced verification techniques. We believe this has led to a measurable reduction in the spread of unverified narratives on social media in the country.
  
  
• Digital security: In a world of increasing cyber threats, our partner stations - including Mustaqbal Media - underwent a total cybersecurity overhaul. By implementing Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) and rigorous password protocols, they now report zero account breaches since these were implemented.
  
  
• Mobile Journalism (MoJo): Our partner journalists are now meeting audiences where they are. And with over 10 new social media video concepts produced this quarter, stations are seeing a surge in engagement on platforms like TikTok and Facebook, increasing youth engagement and the reach of content.

Stories of Resilience

The true impact of our work is best seen through the lens of individual courage. Take Shukri Hashi Abdi from Radio Goobjoog as an example.

Shukri navigated significant cultural hurdles to interview high-profile religious leaders, where her presence alone was a statement.

One "wrong" move - like an improper greeting or a perceived lack of deference - could end an interview before it began. She often had to prove she wasn't there to tear down the faith, but instead to provide a fair and rigorous platform - balancing respect with her duty as a journalist.

She proved that professional excellence can bridge even the widest social divides.

Shukri also developed her video editing skillset through our training. Her mastery of editing software hasn't just improved her storytelling; it has allowed her to produce high-quality digital content that is diversifying her station's revenue streams.

Furthermore, the Shukri Hariir Awards* last year saw our mentees secure top honours, a moment that highlighted to the entire region that the next generation of Somali leaders are ready.

Our 'Xog-side' program and weekly women’s magazine shows have been broadcast across six major stations, reaching listeners from Mogadishu and Garowe to Baidoa and Hargeisa.

But this project was about much more than just airtime.

By empowering women to take on influential roles and equipping them with the tools to dismantle disinformation, we are ensuring that the Somali people have access to an information ecosystem that is accurate, representative, and resilient.

We are not just reporting on the news; we are building a stronger foundation for Somali society, one story at a time.

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The Shukri Hariir Award is an annual journalism award designed to recognise and celebrate the resilience of female journalists breaking social barriers, particularly those who demonstrate professional excellence in Somaliland - it is organised by the Women Journalists Association (WIJA)

Our Media Resilience and Inclusive Public Interest Content is funded by Sida.