Somali Media Women Association (SOMWA)

SOMWA, is a Somali Media Women Association based in Somalia.
Advocating for an equitable media landscape. #HerVoice #HerRole
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[Somali Media Women Association (SOMWA) @SOMWA4]

In its 2025 State of Women’s Press Freedom Report, the Somali Media Women Association (@SOMWA4) documents a marked escalation in harassment and violence against women journalists in Somalia, noting the highest recorded levels of assault, detention, and intimidation to date. Between November 2024 and October 2025, SOMWA verified more than 60 violations against journalists, encompassing arbitrary arrests, physical attacks, workplace discrimination, and related abuses.
Additionally, the report identified 30 cases of digital censorship specifically targeting women media practitioners.

The 2025 report extends beyond the compilation of incidents. Its purpose is to illuminate systemic patterns of gendered repression within the media sector and beyond, empower women journalists through visibility and advocacy, and mobilise national and international stakeholders to advance meaningful reform.
In a context where the pursuit of truth continues to carry grave personal risk and where gender remains a determinant of professional access and safety, this evidence base serves as a critical tool for promoting both press freedom and gender equality in Somalia.

Access the full report here 👇🏾.
https://t.co/GhLFC9AceX

[Somali Media Women Association (SOMWA) @SOMWA4]

SOMWA is concerned by reports from Shabelle Media Network @ShabelleMedia regarding a new series of copyright claims that have allegedly resulted in the removal of news content from Facebook.

In Somalia's politically sensitive environment, any misuse of copyright reporting systems to target legitimate journalism could have serious implications for media freedom, public access to information, and democratic discourse.

We call on @Meta to transparently review these allegations and ensure that its reporting mechanisms cannot be exploited to suppress independent journalism.

📄 Full statement below. https://t.co/eL83c4k0RC

#PressFreedom #MediaFreedom #Somalia #FreedomOfExpression #Journalism #ProtectJournalists

[Somali Media Women Association (SOMWA) @SOMWA4]

🚨 @SOMWA4 condemns the continued illegal detention of @KalsanTv media equipment by the Banadir Regional Police for the 8th consecutive day.

The confiscated camera and broadcasting tools were seized from journalists while they were carrying out their professional duties. Such actions are a direct attack on press freedom and freedom of expression in Somalia.

We call on Somali authorities to immediately and unconditionally return the equipment and end the growing intimidation, harassment, and obstruction targeting journalists in Mogadishu.

Journalists must be allowed to work freely and safely without fear.

Full report 👇🏾
https://t.co/TQpztCU7aN

#PressFreedom #Somalia #JournalismIsNotACrime

[Somali Media Women Association (SOMWA) @SOMWA4]

🚨 SOMWA is alarmed by a growing wave of coordinated online attacks targeting Somali journalists and media outlets through abuse of Meta’s reporting and copyright systems.

This comes amid heightened political tension in Somalia and alongside almost daily physical attacks, arrests, and assaults against journalists.

In less than two weeks, more than 10 journalists — including 5 female journalists — have reportedly been arrested, intimidated, or assaulted.

Media outlets including @ShabelleMedia, Universal TV, Dalsan TV and independent journalists are now facing coordinated digital attacks, including false copyright claims, mass reporting and organised “chat pods” aimed at silencing independent reporting.

“Journalists in Somalia are now under pressure both offline and online,” says @MSeylac of SOMWA.

Full report👇🏾

https://t.co/qpmhNpAXyL

#PressFreedom #Somalia #JournalismIsNotACrime

[Somali Media Women Association (SOMWA) @SOMWA4]

On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, the British Ambassador to Somalia @CharlesKingFCDO hosted an important discussion with journalists, media professionals, and human rights advocates in Somalia.

Participants expressed grave concern over the increasing violations against media professionals in the country.

Safa Mohamed, Gender and Communications Officer at SOMWA, attended the discussion and highlighted the gendered attacks faced by women journalists.

Ambassador King Charles emphasised the vital role of a free press in Somalia’s peacebuilding efforts, underscoring that journalists must be able to carry out their work without interference.

#WPF Video copyright @UKinSomalia

[Somali Media Women Association (SOMWA) @SOMWA4]

The arrest, assault, and intimidation of journalists in Mogadishu by Somali security forces is unacceptable.

5 journalists from Kalsan TV, Shabelle Media, and Goobjoog Media were detained while covering forced evictions and public protests. One journalist was assaulted, equipment confiscated, and the whereabouts of journalist Rowda Hassan Taakilo remain unknown.

These attacks reflect a growing pattern of violations against media workers in Somalia and threaten press freedom, accountability, and independent reporting.

We call for the immediate and unconditional release of all detained journalists and for authorities to respect media freedom and journalists’ safety.

https://t.co/XxDqUyJRfP

#PressFreedom #Somalia #JournalismIsNotACrime

[Somali Media Women Association (SOMWA) @SOMWA4]

Digital Extortion: Facebook as a Tool of Silencing.

Beyond physical violence, a more sophisticated threat is emerging.

An organized network of online extortionists is exploiting Facebook’s automated copyright system to target Somali media.

The playbook is simple—and predatory:
They file false copyright claims on original content.
Facebook’s systems automatically flag it.
Then comes the demand: pay up, or your content stays down.
Platform policies aren’t calibrated for the Somali context—and there’s no efficient, real-time mechanism for verified media outlets to challenge fraudulent takedowns.
This isn’t enforcement. It’s digital hostage-taking.
@facebook

[Somali Media Women Association (SOMWA) @SOMWA4]

@MSeylac expresses concern about the state of media in Somalia.

[Maryan Seylac @MSeylac]

I am deeply concerned about the growing violation against Somali media, and I call on the Somali government to move on from journalists' paper protection laws while leaving them physically exposed to almost daily violations.

[Somali Media Women Association (SOMWA) @SOMWA4]

Amina Ibrahim Amiish, a journalist at Arlaady Media, was arrested in Baidoa and released on bail in March after covering a political event, then targeted with a coordinated smear campaign spreading false rape allegations to destroy her credibility and silence her reporting.

#WPF

[Somali Media Women Association (SOMWA) @SOMWA4]

The primary violators of press freedom in Somalia are not hidden — they are state actors: NISA, police, and military forces.

This is a systematic campaign to control information and silence independent journalism. Silence is not an option. #JournalismIsNotACrime

[Somali Media Women Association (SOMWA) @SOMWA4]

“Somalia cannot credibly claim to be building democracy while its security agencies systematically assault, arrest, and silence journalists.” Maryan Seylac, SOMWA Executive Director

Our new report exposes the widening gap between democratic promises and reality on the ground. #PressFreedom

[Somali Media Women Association (SOMWA) @SOMWA4]

On #WorldPressFreedomDay, SOMWA releases its new position paper: “Silence Is Not an Option.”

In just 4 months (Jan–April 2026), SOMWA recorded over 30+ violations against journalists—including arrests, beatings, and 1 killing. This is a crisis that demands urgent reform. Please, find the full report 👇🏾. https://t.co/1fUbxK5N36

[UN Women Somalia @UNWomen_Somalia]

A gap still exists between what Somali women deserve and what they are currently experiencing. We all have the power to narrow it.
#ForAllWomenAndGirls.

[Somali Media Women Association (SOMWA) @SOMWA4]

On International Women’s Day, SOMWA celebrates the courage, resilience, and leadership of women journalists and changemakers across Somalia.

Through our mandate, we remain committed to amplifying women’s voices, promoting gender-sensitive media, defending press freedom, and protecting the rights and safety of women in journalism.

When women’s voices are heard, societies become more informed, inclusive, and just.

#InternationalWomensDay #WomenInMedia #GenderEquality #PressFreedom

[Somali Media Women Association (SOMWA) @SOMWA4]

Our Executive Director, @MSeylac, attended the UK Media Freedom Forum in London, organised by the Foreign Policy Centre @FPCThinkTank, Justice for Journalists Foundation @JFJfund, and the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute, in partnership with City St George’s, University of London. The sessions addressed independent media in conflict‑affected regions and safeguarding press freedom against legal threats, disinformation, and transnational pressure.

This is especially relevant to Somalia, where insecurity and political volatility create serious risks for journalists. Maryan’s presence underscored the urgent need for stronger legal protections and practical support for independent media in Somalia and similar contexts. #UKMediaFreedomForum

[Somali Media Women Association (SOMWA) @SOMWA4]

We strongly condemn the shooting and death of journalist Abshir Khalif Shidane by a police officer in Jubaland after an argument. Authorities have confirmed the arrest of the suspected officer.

While the arrest is an important step, we call for a thorough, transparent investigation to ensure full accountability.

Our heartfelt condolences go to his family, colleagues, and the entire Somali media community. Justice must be served, and journalists must be protected. #JusticeForAbshir #PressFreedom

[Somali Media Women Association (SOMWA) @SOMWA4]

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dr Maryam Qaasim on her election as the Chairperson of the Somali Independent Human Rights Commission today.

SOMWA has consistently advocated for this position to prioritise women's leadership, especially at a time when men head all the other independent commissions in Somalia. Today’s outcome is not only a personal achievement for Dr Maryam but also a meaningful step forward for gender representation in national leadership.
We also warmly congratulate Fadumo Abdiqani on her election as Secretary of the Commission and Mohamed Harun, a person with special needs, on his election as Deputy Chairperson.
This is a new milestone for inclusion, representation, and human rights leadership in Somalia.

#womenInLeadership

@UNWomen_Somalia @UNTMIS_ @UKinSomalia @UNFPA_SOMALIA @MFamily_HRD

[Somali Media Women Association (SOMWA) @SOMWA4]

It was a pleasure to join this vital discussion on Somalia’s human rights situation ahead of the Universal Periodic Review in May.
SOMWA remains committed to defending human rights—especially freedom of expression and the safety of women journalists in Somalia.

Among the participants is our gender and human rights officer, Safa Mohamed.

@NUSOJofficial @UNTMIS_

[Embassy of Switzerland in Nairobi @SwissEmbassyKE]

Human rights are the bedrock of society. Amb. Patricia Danzi, Director General @SwissDevCoop, met with human rights defenders in 🇸🇴 to discuss civic space & freedom of speech, in line with 🇨🇭’s UNHRC membership (2025-27), ahead of Somalia’s Universal Periodic Review in May.

[Somali Media Women Association (SOMWA) @SOMWA4]

Congratulations to our Executive Director, @MSeylac, on being named one of @FiveMagazine’s Top 25 Most Influential Somalis of 2025.
This recognition honours her visionary leadership, powerful journalism, and unwavering advocacy for women in the media, as well as social justice.

#Top25Somalis #SomaliLeaders #WomenInMedia