The Forum held at Hotel Guryosamo in Mogadishu, Somalia on 12 August, 2020 has been participated by representatives from the media organizations, media directors and journalists were the key participants in the Forum event.



The Forum was aiming to provide platform for discussing the theme focusing on gender inequality and the challenges women in the media face, and to find out solutions for those issues affecting women in the media.



In the opening remarks, Deka Kasim, Secretary General of SOMWIM explained that women in the media are required to indicate their priority needs, the challenges women who could not raise their voices are experiencing and women in the media are lacking their rights.


"Only men could not be blamed for the challenges and women are also part of the criticism.” Deka Kasim added.



"The SOMA association consisting of more than 30 member media houses is prepared to take part in the efforts for dealing with the prevailing challenges.” Mohamed Abduwahab, Secretary General of SOMA said.


The major participants’ deliberations at the Forum were- ‘

❖ The Forum provided opportunity for meeting with the media directors to debate on the rights for women. 


❖ There is no women owning media and that is why female are underrepresented in managing and ownership of media stations 


❖ To support the development of women and cooperate in the effort 


❖ Women self-organizing will take major role in addressing the existing challenges


❖ Women should unite to reach their goals 


❖ Media owners have no confidence in women and are preferring men, which reduces the number in position of responsibility 


❖ Most of the people working in the media are perceived uneducated 


❖ Some parents are not allowing their sons and daughters to become journalists, that reduced the number of people reaching high level in the profession 
❖ Most women do not prefer to work on program at night shifts 


❖ Two radio stations managed by women have been opened up in Mogadishu, and both are not operational now


❖ The mangers should ease the challenges women are experiencing 


❖ Women journalists should have women role in the profession


❖ We encourage women media organizations increase to seek their due rights

"People working in the media have nothing to do with the reduction of women in management position since the media owners has the choice. A woman is my Deputy Director and my station is one the media houses where most female journalists work.” Burhan Dini Farah, Director of Kulmiye News Network Radio argued.

"There is no problem that prevents women from holding senior positions; however, there is a need to visit the media stations to expose the shortcomings of women.” Mohamed Abduwahab , SOMA Secretary General argued.

In conclusion, the challenges and concerns of women were highlighted, while the manager of the media outlets recognized most of them.