The condemnation follows the circulation of a disturbing video on social media that sparked widespread public outrage and renewed concerns about the protection of women and girls in Somalia. The footage prompted calls from civil society groups, women’s organizations, and members of the public for a thorough investigation and accountability for those involved.

In a statement, the ministry said the incident was incompatible with the principles of Islam, Somali cultural traditions, and the constitutional rights of citizens. Officials stressed that acts that undermine the dignity and safety of women have no place in Somali society and must be confronted through both legal action and community cooperation.

Minister of Family and Human Rights Development Khadija Mohamed Al-Makhzoumi urged Somalis to stand together against violence and abuse, emphasizing that protecting vulnerable members of society is a shared national responsibility.

“This reprehensible act is contrary to our Islamic teachings, the respected values of Somali society, and the rights, dignity, and honor of our citizens,” Al-Makhzoumi said. “We must collectively reject such behavior and ensure that those responsible are held accountable under the law.”

The ministry called on security agencies to immediately identify, arrest, and prosecute all individuals suspected of involvement in the incident. It also appealed to the public, including family members, community leaders, and witnesses, to cooperate with investigators by providing any information that could assist in bringing the perpetrators to justice.

Authorities warned that anyone who possesses information about the suspects should share it with law enforcement agencies to prevent those responsible from evading accountability. The ministry emphasized that justice for victims of abuse is essential to maintaining public trust in the rule of law and protecting the rights of women across the country.

The statement concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to safeguarding the dignity, security, and wellbeing of Somali women, while stressing that ending gender-based violence requires the combined efforts of government institutions, community leaders, religious scholars, families, and society as a whole.

The post Somalia Condemns Abuse of Young Woman, Calls for Swift Justice appeared first on Kaab TV.

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.

The post Baraarug Podcast 14: The Struggles of Somali Women Journalists appeared first on Kaab TV.

This topic in the Ma Huraan film has sparked intense discussion on social media in recent weeks.

This week, Mohamed Bulbul sat down with Anfa Aden Abdi to talk about the often unspoken issue of sexual violence against women at work—and the brave women who are trying to break the silence around it.

The post Baraarug Podcast: Confronting Sexual Violence Against Women in Somalia appeared first on Kaab TV.

Minority communities and displaced families also face heightened risks, while journalists are often targeted for exposing abuses taking place across the country.

This week, the Baraarug campaign spoke with Abdullahi Hassan, Amnesty International’s researcher for Somalia and Sudan, who discussed the organization’s efforts to advocate for human rights in Somalia.

These include documenting U.S. drone strikes that have killed civilians, as well as broader concerns about accountability.

Mr. Hassan also highlighted the increasing attacks on journalists in Somalia and the severe chilling effect these have had on freedom of expression.

He emphasized that meaningful advocacy requires accountability.

That is why Amnesty International continues to engage with the Somali government and international partners who fund Somali authorities.

Most importantly, Mr. Hassan stressed that it is the duty of every Somali citizen—especially the youth—to stand up for their rights and demand that their human rights are respected.

The post Why Everyone Must Stand up for Human Rights in Somalia? appeared first on Kaab TV.

At around 2:30 PM local time, Mogadishu police attacked five local journalists who were reporting on a group of women protesting in Mogadishu streets against the reported gang rape of a young Somali woman in Nairobi, Kenya and the alleged forced marriage of an underage girl to an older man in Puntland.

These two incidents have sparked public outrage across Somalia in recent days, highlighting the brutal violence that women and girls continue to face.

A police officer from Hodan district, identified as Amin Abukar ‘Muniish,’ along with his officers, arrived as the women protestors—who were chanting “We want justice, and we do not consent to be raped.”—marched from KM4 towards Maka al-Mukarama on Friday. The police dispersed the protestors who were mainly young women and then turned their attention to the journalists, ordering them to stop recording interviews with the protest organizers.

As a result, four journalists—Abdirazak Haji Sidow Nor (cameraman for Himilo TV), Abdullahi Abdukadir Ahmed (reporter for Himilo TV), Abdirizak Abdullahi Adan (reporter for Radio Mustaqbal), and Abdirahman Barre Hussein (cameraman for Radio Mustaqbal)—were arrested and taken to the Hodan district police station. Later, the police also detained female journalist Anisa Abdiaziz Hussein, who was reporting for Himilo TV from the protest.

Four of the journalists interviewed by SJS stated that upon arrival at the police station, their camera equipment was confiscated, and their interviews were deleted. The male journalists were locked in a narrow cell with other detainees, while Anisa was held separately from her male colleagues. The police informed them that they would be released only on the condition that they refrain from covering protests in the future.

Eventually, all five journalists were released, and their equipment was returned.

SJS welcomes the release of the five journalists, however, SJS strongly condemns this blatant violation of press freedom of intimidating journalists, confiscating their equipment and deletion of the material from the protest, which amounts of full censorship of independent media reporting and suppression of peaceful protests. We call for the respect for media freedom and the right to protest. The officers responsible for these actions must be held accountable.

“When Somalia’s Mogadishu police attack journalists and deny women the right to protest against rampant sexual violence, it only proves that the Somali government stands with perpetrators rather than victims. This repression sends a clear message that justice for Somali women who are victims of sexual violence remains out of reach,” said SJS Secretary General, Abdalle Mumin.

“We condemn the unlawful arrest of the five journalists yesterday in Mogadishu, and the violent suppression of women protesting against sexual violence. We urge the Mogadishu authorities to return to the law and order, respect what the Somali constitution says, and uphold press freedom and protect the rights of women instead of siding with violent abusers,” Mr. Mumin adds.

The post Somali Police Arrest Journalists, Disperse Women Protesting Against Sexual Violence appeared first on Kaab TV.

Journalists are targeted simply for telling the truth. Women’s voices are rarely heard, and in most cases, they are not allowed in public discourse.

Despite facing numerous challenges, Somali women journalists continue to play a crucial role in shaping narratives, advocating for change, and inspiring progress in Somalia.

In this short documentary, the Baraarug team spoke to three women journalists: Anfa Aden Abdo, the producer of the Baraarug podcast; Shukri Abdi, a local journalist who has faced threats; and Fartun Mohamed, a journalist and peace activist.

They shared their views on the challenges they face, the contributions of women to our community, and how Somalia can progress with the inclusion of women in the full participation of society.

The post IWD2025: Women Shaping Change in Somalia appeared first on Kaab TV.

Even those graduating from universities emerged without the necessary skills to work in fields related to their degrees.

This has impacted many generations, raising concerns about the quality of education and the type of curricula students are exposed to.

However, recently, some educational institutions have begun to reform their curricula to produce students who are better prepared for today’s global society, especially one shaped by technology.

Al-Nawawi School in Garowe, which caters to primary, secondary, and high school levels, has introduced computer labs and computer programming courses where students learn various software applications.

Electricity engineering, CCTV security cameras installation, and graphic designing, including image editing, are among the subjects students are taught there.

Muniiro Abdinur Osmaan, a student currently in Form 3, shared that more and more girls are now part of the cohort learning computer skills.

“I am being trained as a graphic designer. I hope to achieve a lot. It is often said that boys excel in these skills, but I encourage the girls,” she said.

‘Girls Can Reach the Highest Levels’

Umaya Mohamed Ibrahim, another Form 3 student, explained that the modern global environment has influenced students’ direction, pushing them to focus on learning computer skills.

“Initially, we knew very little. Now, we have learned many things. We can print documents, and we have learned different software,” she said.

She also stated that girls can surpass boys if they are properly trained in skills and given equal opportunities.

Mohamud Abdullahi, a teacher at the Al-Nawawi High School, explained that the school decided to introduce computer skills when it became clear how essential these skills were for students’ futures, especially in the face of the challenges Somali students face today.

“As we all know, students have demonstrated success in skills such as electrical wiring, CCTV operation, and working with various software. This is due to the global job market’s current demand and the need for students to improve both their experience and economic situations,” Maxamuud told Kaab TV.

While this initiative has started in just one school, with others possibly following suit, there are still challenges ahead.

The quality of education in Somalia faces significant challenges that hinder students’ ability to acquire essential skills.

Schools operate in overcrowded classrooms, with few skilled teachers capable of teaching the necessary subjects.

Educational resources such as books and equipment, like computers, are often not available to all students.

Girls account for only 17% of those who receive primary education in Somalia, indicating that many girls still lack access to education and remain confined to their homes.

The post Garowe School Revolutionizes Education with Technology Skills for Students appeared first on Kaab TV.

The country has one of the highest youth unemployment rates in the world, with 74% of young Somali women unable to find work.

Education is also a major challenge, with only 25% of Somali girls attending primary school, and 65% of women aged 20-24 having never completed their education.

Early marriage and extreme poverty, worsened by drought and ongoing conflict, are key obstacles preventing girls from accessing education.

However, a group of determined women is working to break this cycle by equipping young women with the skills they need to thrive in the job market.

At Hano Academy, Kaab TV met a group of women training daily to master the art of coffee making, learning to brew various types of coffee with distinctive flavors and techniques.

For many, including young women like Ayan Dahir, 19, this is not just a job but a path to empowerment.

“In today’s world, everyone needs a skill to survive and be fit for the job market,” Ayan tells Kaab TV. “That’s why I’m training to make coffee.”

Ayan, along with her colleague Naima Adan, sees this training as a vital opportunity to acquire a quick skill and begin earning a living.

“I always wanted to learn a skill because, as a young woman, finding a job is difficult. Then I got this opportunity,” says Naima.

Both Ayan and Naima feel empowered through their work and are no longer vulnerable to exploitation.

Their newfound skills provide them with confidence and independence, allowing them to take control of their futures.

While they train, the women have access to Fijan, a coffee shop located within the academy.

There, they work with various coffee-making machines, honing their craft. Yusuf Mohamud, the manager of the center, explains that the goal is to provide young women with the tools they need to quickly enter the workforce.

“Our aim is to prepare these young women and give them immediate opportunities to be employed,” Yusuf says.

Unemployment among women in Somalia is driven by several factors, including a lack of skills, limited experience, and the mismatch between available education and the skills needed in the job market.

Economic stagnation and slow job creation further exacerbate the problem.

For many unemployed women, especially those from poorer families, the risk of exploitation is high.

Sexual exploitation remains a pervasive issue, with government departments being particularly vulnerable, although the private sector is also affected.

While initiatives like this training program are a step in the right direction for women’s empowerment and rights in Somalia, much more needs to be done to achieve gender equality.

Offering women greater access to opportunities and helping them fulfill their potential is essential for progress in the country.

The post Somali Women Train to Make Coffee and Free Themselves from Exploitation appeared first on Kaab TV.

Women have largely been excluded from high-ranking political positions.

The 30% women’s quota appears to have not been fully implemented.

In this discussion, which includes youth groups, journalists, women, young politicians, and traditional elders, Baraarug examines public perceptions on whether women should lead the country.

The post Baraarug Forum: Can Women Lead Somalia? appeared first on Kaab TV.

Their presence in the media is essential for delivering diverse voices and ensuring a balanced representation of both men’s and women’s voices in journalism programming.

However, they continue to face significant challenges.

Beyond low or unpaid salaries, female journalists in Somalia encounter societal pressures that often downplay their role or consider journalism an unsuitable profession for women, believing they should remain at home.

Amiiro Suleiman, a journalist at Kaab TV, shared her experiences, stating that Somali society remains largely intolerant of women working in the media.

“The public still does not fully accept female journalists, although there has been some progress,” Amiiro told Kaab TV.

Advocating against harassment and stigmatisation

Last week, the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) concluded a training session in Mogadishu attended by female journalists from the regional states and Mogadishu.

With support from Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), SJS brought together women advocating for human rights who have had limited access to training opportunities, aiming to strengthen their skills.

Kawsar Barkhadle, a journalist from Radio Gedo in the town of Doolow, Gedo region, is among those striving to overcome barriers.

Insecurity remains a major issue in Gedo, with Al-Shabaab controlling rural areas and restricting women from working or moving freely.

“Becoming a journalist was my passion, but I faced significant pressure. Even my own family initially discouraged me, labeling my profession as inappropriate,” Kawsar said.

She started her journalism career in 2021 but faced severe social pressure, leading her parents to urge her to quit.

However, through persistence, she managed to convince them of the importance of her work.

Women journalists often face verbal abuse and are accused of violating cultural and religious norms, with some even being labeled derogatory terms such as “being prostitutes’.

This societal pressure has led some women to leave the profession entirely to avoid public criticism.

Anfa Aden Abdi, SJS’s Gender Secretary, has personally experienced these challenges.

As a journalist and advocate for women’s rights, she now leads initiatives supporting female journalists by providing training and fighting for their labor rights and safety.

“We have started engaging media managers to ease the pressure on female journalists and to repeatedly educate society on the importance of their role,” Anfa said.

She emphasized that women’s contributions to the media are just as vital as those of men.

“I also urge female journalists to keep pushing forward and not to bow down to pressure. Yes, we are women, and we can do it,” she added.

Self confidence, continuous learning, and skill development have been identified as key factors that can help female journalists secure their rights and advance in their careers.

The post Somali Women Journalists Struggle Against Challenges to Amplify Their Voices appeared first on Kaab TV.