MOGADISHU (Baraarug) – Somali women journalists play a crucial role in reporting news, raising public awareness, and providing entertainment.
They are the backbone of storytelling and covering underreported issues.
Although women remain underrepresented in the journalism profession, they face numerous challenges that impact their safety, professional growth, and employment opportunities.
According to a report published by the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) in 2021, women journalists are particularly vulnerable to the ongoing security threats in Somalia.
They face constant intimidation, attacks, and threats, which compromise their safety and hinder their ability to work freely.
Between January 1 and April 30, 2025, the Somali Journalists Syndicate documented the arrest of 46 journalists, while two others were abducted and later went missing in the Lower Shabelle region under the South West State.
Authorities in South West State also imposed restrictions on three local radio stations during the month of Ramadan.
Meanwhile, in Somaliland, Universal TV was shut down, and in Mogadishu, police forces raided Radio Risaala.
More than 30 journalists had their equipment confiscated, and 10 others were subjected to physical assault and intimidation.
According to SJS records, female journalists accounted for 10.5% of the targeted journalists in 2025, while 89.5% were male.
The majority of the attacks on the media—including arbitrary arrests, killings, internet restrictions, and censorship—were perpetrated by government forces and the armed group Al-Shabaab.
Women journalists also face various forms of abuse, including verbal insults and harassment from the public, colleagues, and, at times, media managers.
These abuses significantly limit their career development opportunities.
In conflict zones or areas controlled by armed groups such as Al-Shabaab, female journalists face heightened risks, including rape, abduction, and even murder.
In addition, cultural norms and societal attitudes that discourage women from working in the media further restrict their job opportunities and career advancement.
Somali women journalists face unequal treatment in the workplace, including lower pay compared to male colleagues and limited access to training and career development opportunities.
They often lack the necessary support to grow professionally.
In this episode of Baraarug Podcast, we speak with Farhiyo Mohamed Khayre, the Chairperson and founder of the Somali Women Journalists Organization (SWJO), based in Mogadishu. Farhiyo is also a former journalist who worked with local media outlets.
Joining the discussion are three other female journalists who were recently targeted in Mogadishu. They share their personal experiences and the challenges they face while fulfilling their professional duties.