As part of the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) is hosting a three-day intensive training workshop in Garowe that focuses on ethical and survivor-centred reporting of gender-based violence. The event, taking place from 30 November to 2 December 2025, has brought together more than 30 journalists, editors and media professionals to strengthen responsible reporting, reduce stigma and improve protection for women working in the media.

Supported by the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives through the High Commission of Canada in Kenya, the training addresses the challenges faced by Somali journalists when covering gender-based violence, particularly in a context marked by security concerns and cultural sensitivities. The program covers trauma-informed reporting, inclusive newsroom practices and policy advocacy that contribute to safer working environments for female journalists.

The programme’s inauguration also received strong support from the Puntland authorities. The Minister of Women’s Development, Maryan Ahmed Ali, delivered a keynote address in which she stressed that this training holds particular importance for journalists who report on the widespread problem of sexual and gender-based violence. She noted that such violations continue to recur and require strong and professional coverage from the media. She also emphasised that female journalists who are committed to their professions must receive the protections they need both within the media industry and while working in the field. She affirmed that the ministry stands ready to support women in the media and will continue to play an active role in efforts to combat gender-based violence, discrimination and the gender pay gap.

The Minister of Information, Mahmoud Aidid Dirir, officially opened the training. He thanked NUSOJ for its tireless efforts in strengthening the knowledge and skills of Somali journalists, saying that programs of this kind are essential for professionalising the media. He noted that the training will help improve the quality of reporting in Puntland, particularly on important subjects such as ethical reporting on gender-based violence and will contribute to raising public awareness across the Federal Member State.

The workshop combines interactive discussions, practical exercises and case studies that help participants tell survivor stories responsibly while also safeguarding their safety and wellbeing. Participants, many wearing orange to mark the global activism campaign and carrying posters calling for an end to gender-based violence, are being equipped with tools that help shift media narratives towards empowerment, dignity and accountability. This effort supports NUSOJ’s wider goal of strengthening the role of the media in the ethical coverage of gender-based violence and improving the safety of women journalists across Somalia, in line with the media charter against GBV.

NUSOJ Organising Secretary Nima Hassan Abdi, who is leading the coordination of this initiative, said the action is designed to empower and emancipate women journalists and to strengthen the capacity of Somali journalists to improve standards and protect survivors’ dignity. She highlighted the importance of empowering both male and female journalists and stressed that ethical reporting is vital for challenging harmful and long-held attitudes and advancing justice. She also recognised the union’s strong partnership with the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives.

“Ethical reporting on gender-based violence is both a professional responsibility and a contribution to the development of the media sector, where journalists take responsibility for the public good. This training helps build newsrooms where women are protected, respected and able to work without fear,” added Nima.

The Garowe workshop is part of NUSOJ’s nationwide series of activities for the 16 Days of Activism. The union plans to deliver similar programs in other federal member states as part of its ongoing efforts to improve media standards, promote the safety of female journalists and strengthen press freedom.