International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global celebration of women’s achievements and a call for gender equality. In Somalia, this day holds particular significance as Somali women continue to demonstrate resilience, strength, and leadership despite facing numerous challenges.
Celebrating Progress Over the years, Somali women have made remarkable strides in various sectors, including media, politics, business, and civil society. Women journalists are amplifying voices, entrepreneurs are driving economic growth, and leaders are advocating for social change. As Media Women Network (MWN) have played a crucial role in empowering women by advocating for their rights, providing mentorship, and creating platforms for professional growth.
Challenges Faced by Somali Women Despite progress, Somali women still encounter barriers such as gender-based violence, limited access to education, and underrepresentation in decision-making positions. Media women, in particular, face threats and discrimination while striving to tell important stories. Addressing these challenges requires continued advocacy, policy changes, and community engagement.
The Role of Media in Empowering Women The media plays a vital role in shaping perceptions and promoting gender equality. Somali women in media are breaking stereotypes and challenging traditional narratives by highlighting issues that affect women and advocating for inclusivity. Strengthening gender-sensitive reporting and ensuring safety for female journalists remain essential for fostering a balanced media landscape.
Fowzia Omar, Chairperson of Media Women Network (MWN), stated: “Inspiring Inclusion”, emphasizing the need to create equal opportunities for women in all sectors, including media. Somali women journalists, media leaders, and advocates used this occasion to amplify their voices on key issues such as gender-sensitive reporting, workplace safety, and fair representation in the media industry.”
Call to Action This International Women’s Day, we recognize and honor Somali women’s contributions and resilience. It is imperative to support initiatives that promote women’s empowerment, create safe spaces for dialogue, and advocate for policies that protect and uplift women. By working together, we can build a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
We urge stakeholders, media owners, and policymakers to listen to the voices of women in media and take actual steps to support them. It is time to stand for gender equality in the industry
Media Women Network continue to inspire change, and Somali women’s voices must be amplified to ensure a brighter, more inclusive future. Let us stand in solidarity to support and empower women in Somalia and beyond.
