Founded in 2006, the Somali Media Women Association (SOMWA) is a pioneering non-profit organization, dedicated to empowering women in Somalia’s media sector and advancing gender equality through advocacy, training, and mentorship.
SOMWA has been at the forefront of promoting women’s voices, protecting women journalists, and ensuring gender-sensitive reporting for over two decades. Our mission is to create a free, inclusive, and professional media environment where women can thrive as storytellers, leaders, and change-makers.
We work to strengthen women’s participation in journalism, amplify their perspectives in public discourse, and challenge harmful stereotypes through ethical and gender-sensitive media practices.
SOMWA provides capacity-building programs, advocacy campaigns, and rapid response support to women journalists facing threats, censorship, or violence.
With a commitment to integrity, courage, and solidarity, SOMWA envisions a society where women’s voices are equally valued, and the media plays a transformative role in advancing peace, justice, and equality in Somalia.
SOMWA systematically monitors violations of the labor rights and safety of female journalists. It documents and shares impartial information on attacks faced by women in the media, including physical assaults, harassment, intimidation, inappropriate sexual advances, and online violence.