Baidoa, Somalia – June 16, 2025 – A two-day training on gender-sensitive, ethical reporting and content development brought together 25 journalists and media professionals in Baidoa, South West State, which marks an important turning point in efforts to promote inclusive, respectful, and fair media practices in Somalia.
Organised by the Somali Media Women Association (SOMWA) with support from the United Nations Transitional Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS), the training aimed to enhance the skills of journalists in reporting on gender issues, gender-based violence (GBV), and the use of inclusive language, while encouraging survivor-centered storytelling and dismantling harmful stereotypes in Somali media.
Day 1: Unpacking Gender Bias in Journalism and Setting the Foundation for Change
The first day of the training opened with powerful remarks from Ruqia Adan, SOMWA secretariat, who underscored the persistent gender inequalities in Somalia’s media sector.
“The media plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse, yet gender inequalities persist in news coverage and newsroom leadership. Women journalists face significant barriers, including limited access to training, exclusion from decision-making, and societal biases that restrict their professional growth,” she said. “As a result, GBV reporting often lacks sensitivity, reinforcing victim-blaming narratives and harmful stereotypes rather than advocating for justice and accountability.”
Mohamed Ibrahim Bilaal, the Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism of South West State (SWS), graced the opening ceremony and officially inaugurated the training.
“I am thrilled to be here today to open this training to enhance the professional capacity of journalists. In particular, this training will touch on gender equality in the reporting of news and also look at the participation of women during news-making and interviews. “I hope you will apply the knowledge you gain over these two days to your work,” he stated.
Day 1 focused on building a conceptual foundation:
- Exploring gender biases and stereotypes in media
- Understanding ethical principles in journalism
- Identifying how language and framing can reinforce or challenge discrimination
- Introducing survivor-centred approaches to GBV reporting.
Facilitators led discussions on real-life examples from local and international media, encouraging participants to reflect on their practices and the potential impact of their reporting.
Day 2: From Theory to Practice – Hands-On Skills for Ethical and Inclusive Reporting
The second day of the training shifted from theory to action. Journalists engaged in interactive and practical exercises to apply the principles introduced on Day 1. These sessions allowed participants to internalise gender-sensitive reporting tools through direct experience.
Key activities included:
✅ Rewriting biased media quotes using gender-neutral and inclusive language
✅ Role-play exercises simulate interviews with survivors of GBV, women leaders, and marginalised individuals.
✅ Practice empathetic interviewing techniques centred on safety, consent, and respect.
✅ Identifying and eliminating sexist language and framing from sample articles and headlines.
One participant reflected, “I realised how often we use language that reinforces gender norms without thinking. This training helped me become more aware and intentional with my words.”
Closing Reflections: A Step Toward a More Just Media Landscape and Pledge
The training officially concluded with remarks from Abdiaziiz Abdow Abdullah, a senior advisor to the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism of SWS, who applauded SOMWA’s initiative and reiterated the importance of ethical journalism in nation-building.
“Inclusive and ethical storytelling is essential to our society. Journalists must use their platforms responsibly to ensure every voice is heard and respected,” he said.
Ruqia Adan of SOMWA echoed this sentiment in her closing remarks:
“This program will foster responsible journalism and challenge harmful narratives. It’s a step toward a more just and gender-sensitive media landscape in Somalia.”
The training was warmly received by all participants, who called for more capacity-building programs of this nature to continue across regions.
As part of this initiative, participants of our two-day training workshop signed a Personal Commitment Pledge, affirming their dedication to ethical and inclusive journalism.
Pledge Statement:
“I commit to using my platform as a journalist to uphold the highest standards of fairness, inclusion, and ethics.”
SOMWA extended its heartfelt gratitude to all facilitators, media houses, and UNTMIS for making the event possible. The organisation highlighted its commitment to promoting a media climate in Somalia that prioritises fairness, inclusivity, and justice.
“Together, we’re shaping a media environment that respects, protects, and uplifts all voices,” SOMWA.
