London – The Somali Media Women Association (SOMWA) joined hundreds of global delegates at the Thomson Reuters Foundation Trust Conference 2025, one of the world’s leading forums on journalism, human rights, and democracy. The event, held in London, brought together journalists, activists, and thought leaders to confront the growing threats to media freedom and explore ways to strengthen democratic values in a changing world.
For Somalia, the conversation struck a familiar chord. In regions such as mid-Somalia, journalists continue to face harassment, censorship, and violence. For women in the media, the dangers are compounded by gender-based discrimination and limited institutional support. SOMWA’s participation underscored its ongoing fight to protect journalists and promote gender equality in the country’s newsrooms.
A Global Reality Check
The conference opened with a sobering address by Antonio Zappulla, CEO of the Thomson Reuters Foundation. He outlined three key forces reshaping the global order: shifting U.S. influence, rapid technological disruption, and the weaponisation of the law against journalists and human rights defenders.
Zappulla reminded delegates that only 12 percent of the world’s population now lives under liberal democracy and that 361 journalists remain imprisoned across the globe. Yet, his message was not one of despair. “The erosion of democracy is far from inevitable,” he said. “We each have the power to make a difference.”
That message set the tone for the day. Dr. Jelani Cobb of Columbia University linked the health of democracy to the strength of journalism. Jimmy Wales, the founder of Wikipedia, celebrated volunteer contributors who protect the “fundamental human right to share knowledge.” And David Runciman, host of the Past Present Future podcast, reminded audiences that young people’s openness to new democratic models could be the world’s greatest hope.
The following session, “Truth Under Threat,” turned the spotlight on the rise of restrictive laws and their devastating impact on free expression. Russian journalist Alsu Kurmasheva shared her emotional journey from imprisonment to freedom. “Exactly two years ago today I was in a Russian prison,” she said, drawing applause from the audience. “We are facing these threats right now because we are strong, and because we can counter them.”
Shaping the Future of Media Freedom
The second day delved into how philanthropy, technology, and governance shape the future of free media. Quinn McKew, Executive Director of Article 19, highlighted a worrying trend — the global loss of $1.5 billion in funding for freedom of expression following U.S. aid cuts. Yet, the mood was not entirely bleak. Speakers like Sigrid van Aken of the Postcode Lottery Group and Melanie Hui of Luminate called for long-term, flexible funding models and genuine collaboration to sustain impact.
Technology took center stage in “Protecting Content in the AI Era,” where Cloudflare CEO Matthew Prince said artificial intelligence could redefine how media organizations protect and monetize their work. “There’s a real opportunity here to invent a new business model,” he said. “One that leads to a healthier internet and a healthier media environment.”
Panels on “Power and Progress” and “AI for Good” challenged tech monopolies and stressed the need for stronger public sector oversight. Vilas Dhar of the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation emphasized that AI must serve democracy, not disrupt it. Omidyar Network’s Michele Jawando added that “the shrinking concentration of power among a few companies is dangerous for all of us.”
These global debates mirror Somalia’s media landscape, where journalists operate under constant threat and digital inequality remains high. For SOMWA, the lessons from London are clear: the fight for media freedom must be local and global, immediate and long-term.
Standing Firm for Somalia’s Journalists
SOMWA’s participation reaffirmed its dedication to defending freedom of expression and advancing gender-sensitive journalism. As the country’s media environment evolves, the organization continues to amplify women’s voices and build safer spaces for reporters.
“The struggle for press freedom is shared across borders,” said Maryan Seylac SOMWA’s representative. “Our strength lies in solidarity.”
SOMWA’s message to the world is simple: protecting journalism is not just about preserving a profession — it is about defending truth itself.
