Somali journalists train in digital safety and ethics
Two workshops in Mogadishu and Galkayo trained 69 journalists on ethical reporting, gender equality, and digital safety.
The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) concluded two workshops in Mogadishu and Galkayo aimed at enhancing journalists' skills in ethical reporting, gender equality, and digital safety. These sessions, held between October 25 and 29, were part of national efforts to improve women journalists' leadership, safety, and participation in Somalia's media sector. A total of 69 journalists, including 35 women and 33 men, participated, exceeding the target of 60.
The workshops, supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through the Bilan Project and funded by the European Union (EU), provided a platform for journalists to discuss professional standards and conditions for safer, fairer, and more gender-inclusive newsrooms. Nima Hassan Abdi, NUSOJ organising secretary, stated that these activities sharpened practical skills and offered a safe space to discuss discrimination, digital threats, and barriers facing women in media.
Discussions covered ethical and gender-sensitive reporting, verification, balanced reporting, and avoiding inflammatory language. Participants also addressed workplace conditions including harassment, discrimination, equal development opportunities, and the importance of contracts, timely salaries, and maternity leave. Digital safety sessions focused on online harassment, cyberbullying, and the misuse of digital content, including AI-generated images.
Why it mattersSomali journalists, particularly women, will benefit from improved safety, ethical standards, and equal opportunities in their newsrooms.