PRESS STATEMENT
Mogadishu, Somalia, 24 December 2025: The Somali Media Association (SOMA) successfully concluded a two-day membership meeting on Gender in Media, held in Mogadishu from 21–22 December 2025, under the theme “Strengthening Inclusive Storytelling and Gender-Responsive Media.” The meeting brought together 40 SOMA members from across Somalia, including senior SOMA leadership, media directors, editors, and journalists.
The meeting was officially opened by the SOMA Secretary General, Mohamed Abduwahab, who delivered the opening remarks and outlined the importance of the meeting in strengthening inclusive and gender-responsive media in Somalia. He emphasized the responsibility of media institutions to ensure fair representation and meaningful participation of women in media content and decision-making processes.
“This meeting is an important opportunity for SOMA members to reflect on how our media platforms can better represent women’s voices and experiences. Gender-responsive media is not optional—it is essential for credible storytelling and for building an inclusive media sector that reflects Somali society,” said Mohamed Abduwahab.
The meeting aimed to strengthen inclusive storytelling, promote gender-responsive media practices, and enhance accountability within Somali newsrooms. It also provided a platform for members to reflect on progress made, identify ongoing challenges, and define future priorities for advancing gender equality in the media sector.
Day One focused on Gender in Somali Media, featuring a presentation of key findings from the gender study and an introduction to the Gender Tracking Tool, presented by Farhiya Kheyre, Chairperson of the Somali Women Journalists Organization (SWJO). The session was followed by an in-depth discussion on challenges related to gender representation, newsroom culture, and editorial practices, also facilitated by Farhiya.
Abdulkadir Gurre, a Director of Galgadud Radio, highlighted the value of the discussions and practical session: “The sessions on gender in media helped us critically examine how women are represented in our reporting and newsroom structures. The gender tracking tool gives us a practical way to measure progress and hold ourselves accountable moving forward,” said one SOMA member and journalist.
Hani Mohamed, a female journalist, also shared her perspective on the importance of the gender-focused discussions:
“The gender session allowed us to share the real challenges women journalists face in newsrooms, from limited opportunities to unequal representation. It also provided valuable insights and practical strategies that we can use to improve inclusion and gender equality in our work.”
Day Two centered on reflection, learning, and future planning. As part of an assessment of the Wadaag Programme, Ahmed Absie presented a comprehensive review marking nine years of the programme’s implementation. The assessment highlighted Wadaag’s achievements in promoting social cohesion, while also identifying key lessons learned and areas for improvement—particularly in strengthening women’s participation within the programme.
Mohamed Aseyr, a Radio Jowhar Manager, made a concrete commitment to advancing women’s participation: “The Wadaag Programme review challenged us to take practical action. As a radio manager, I am committed to ensuring that at least one female journalist from our station is included in the Wadaag Programme to strengthen women’s participation and representation moving forward.”
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from SOMA and its members to advancing gender equality, inclusive storytelling, and gender-responsive media as essential elements of a strong, representative, and inclusive media sector in Somalia.
