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.

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.

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.