Mogadishu, Somalia – 21 November 2025 – The Somali Media Women Association (SOMWA), a leading organisation advocating gender-sensitive media and women’s rights in Somalia, has reported that its official Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/SOMWA06, has been disabled following an attempt to hack a key staff member’s profile.
The disabled page has effectively cut off SOMWA’s ability to engage with journalists, women, and communities who rely on its programmes and advocacy. The organisation has raised concerns about the growing trend of digital attacks targeting Somali journalists and media organisations.
Maryan Seylac, Founder and Executive Director of SOMWA, expressed her concern over the incident:
“This is not just an attack on SOMWA—it is an attack on free press and the voices of Somali women in media. Our page is a vital platform for journalists, especially women, to share information, receive training, and engage with the public safely.”
SOMWA has a long-standing partnership with Meta, supporting Somali journalists whose Facebook profiles and pages have previously been falsely memorialised or flagged for alleged violations of the platform’s Community Standards. Seylac underscored the wider ramifications of these digital disruptions:
“Digital violence is increasing, and today, SOMWA itself has become a victim. These actions silence journalists and hinder our work to create a safe, inclusive media landscape in Somalia. Social media is a critical tool for advocacy, and its disruption undermines media freedom.”
The organisation is asking Meta to urgently review and restore its Facebook page to ensure continued public engagement and advocacy efforts. SOMWA warns that if these digital attacks continue unchecked, they could have a chilling effect on media freedom and the safety of women journalists across Somalia.
SOMWA continues to provide training, mentorship, and support for women journalists while advocating for a media landscape that protects women from harassment and violence both online and offline.
