Somalia rallies to protect women journalists from online and offline abuse

Somalia marked the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists with strong calls for justice, accountability and greater protection for women journalists, during a national commemoration organised by the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ).

Supported by the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) through the High Commission of Canada in Nairobi, the event was held under the theme ‘Tackling Impunity: Combating Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence Against Women Journalists.’

Bringing together government officials, diplomats, United Nations representatives, civil society and media professionals, the event served as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to safeguard press freedom in Somalia.

Opening the ceremony, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Hassan Moalim Mahmoud reaffirmed the government’s commitment to end impunity for crimes against journalists.

He announced that the government is reviewing Somalia’s outdated Penal Code—over 60 years old and long criticised for restricting press freedom.

“This Penal Code will change,” he declared. “It will protect journalists and uphold your rights and freedoms.”

Somalia’s international partners echoed similar commitments. In a message of solidarity, German Ambassador Sebastian Groth reiterated Germany’s unwavering support for media freedom and accountability, highlighting his country’s contribution to the Global Media Defence Fund, from which NUSOJ has benefited.

Canada’s Ambassador-designate to Somalia, Joshua Tabah, speaking virtually, emphasised Canada’s dedication to gender equality and the safety of women journalists.

Through CFLI, he said, Canada is helping Somali media institutions combat gender-based violence and create safer work environments.

Italian Ambassador Pier Mario D’Acci and the African Union’s Special Representative, Ambassador El Hadji Ibrahima Diene, also reaffirmed their countries’ and organisations’ ongoing support for media freedom and journalist protection in Somalia.

UNESCO’s Regional Adviser Misako Ito delivered the keynote address, praising NUSOJ’s leadership in defending journalists and tackling digital violence.

She urged greater efforts to counter online harassment and AI-driven gender-based abuse, noting that “technology must be a tool for empowerment, not intimidation.”

Panel discussions throughout the day explored digital harassment, accountability mechanisms and legal reforms to protect women journalists.

Participants also reviewed the Media Charter on Combating Gender-Based Violence, jointly developed by NUSOJ and UNFPA.

NUSOJ Secretary General Omar Faruk Osman called for collective action to end impunity, condemning attacks and online abuse against women journalists as “abhorrent acts that must never go unpunished.”

SOMWA Executive Director Maryan Seylac echoed his remarks, urging justice and protection for women in the media.

The commemoration concluded with the launch of NUSOJ’s new CFLI-funded project to strengthen journalists’ capacity to report on gender-based violence and promote safer, more inclusive newsrooms.

Participants left with renewed commitment to work together, government, media and partners, to ensure Somali journalists can report freely, safely and equally.