Mogadishu, Somalia — The Somali Media Women Association (SOMWA) has released its State of Women’s Press Freedom 2025 report, documenting a sharp increase in harassment, violence, and censorship targeting women journalists across Somalia. The findings indicate that 2025 has been one of the most dangerous years on record for women working in the media.
Between November 2024 and October 2025, SOMWA verified more than 60 violations against journalists, including arbitrary arrests, physical assaults, intimidation, and workplace discrimination. In addition, over 30 cases of online censorship and account restrictions—primarily targeting women journalists—were recorded.
SOMWA notes that Somalia’s Media Law (2020) and the 1962 Penal Code continue to be used to criminalise reporting through broad and punitive “false news” provisions. Security agencies routinely detain journalists, force content deletion, and pressure reporters to reveal sources—actions that undermine constitutional guarantees and press independence.
The report highlights multiple cases of women journalists being assaulted while on assignment, detained without due process, unlawfully dismissed from employment, and targeted with gender-based online harassment. These violations occur along with structural inequalities, including significant pay gaps and limited access to leadership roles in media organisations.
“Protecting women journalists is essential for democracy and peacebuilding in Somalia,” said Maryam Seylac, Executive Director of SOMWA. “When women’s voices are silenced, the public loses access to truth, accountability, and diverse perspectives, and when those who attack journalists face no justice, impunity becomes policy. We cannot build peace on silence.”
SOMWA is calling for:
- Urgent reform of the Media Law (2020) to align with constitutional and international standards
- Establishment of an Independent Media Commission to oversee press rights and handle complaints
- Enforcement of the Labour Code (2025) to prevent gender-based discrimination in media workplaces
- Accountability for unlawful arrests, intimidation, and attacks on journalists
- Improved protection from digital platforms will prevent misuse of moderation systems.
SOMWA also urges Meta and other digital platforms to review content moderation practices in Somalia and safeguard journalists from coordinated reporting and censorship attacks.
The full report is available at: SOMWA Report 2025
