Uphill Battles: The Challenges Faced by Somali Female Journalists

 

Female journalists in Somaliland and Somalia grapple with multifaceted barriers within societal norms and media institutions, hindering their professional growth. They face gender biases, limited roles, and insufficient support, impeding their recognition and opportunities in journalism. These challenges highlight the urgent need for equitable support, resources, and recognition, emphasizing the necessity for inclusive efforts to empower female journalists and break down systemic barriers in the field.

Introduction.

In the dynamic landscape of journalism in Somaliland and Somalia, female journalists navigate a minefield of obstacles that stem not only from societal norms but also from within media organizations. While journalism itself grapples with its own set of challenges, the plight of female journalists stands out as they face multifaceted barriers impeding their professional growth and recognition.

These journalists, driven by a passion for truth and storytelling, encounter a harsh reality where their gender becomes an additional hurdle in their career paths. In Somaliland particularly, the situation takes a severe turn as female journalists not only confront the overarching challenges prevalent in journalism but also encounter specific roadblocks within media institutions.

Human rights violations against journalists in Somaliland cast a shadow over the profession, affecting both genders. However, female journalists face a distinct set of adversities within media organizations. They often find themselves relegated to subordinate roles, denied leadership positions, and offered programs that lack professional impact. While their male counterparts steer significant programs with community-wide impacts, female journalists are allocated roles in entertainment, limiting their opportunities to showcase their talents.

Despite producing compelling and relevant programs, female journalists encounter barriers when it comes to presenting their work. The lack of representation in presenting impactful programs further exacerbates their struggle for recognition and popularity within the industry. Consequently, this gender bias perpetuates a cycle where male journalists gain more prominence and popularity, overshadowing the talents and potential of their female colleagues.

Media institutions in both Somaliland and Somalia play a pivotal role in shaping the narratives and perceptions within the society. Unfortunately, the reluctance to acknowledge and promote the capabilities of female journalists hinders progress toward gender equality within these organizations. The systemic biases entrenched within these institutions create an environment where talent and skill take a backseat to gender stereotypes.

Female journalists in Somaliland and Somalia encounter significant challenges due to a lack of government support compared to their male counterparts. While male-led journalist associations receive government budgets to sustain their offices, female journalist associations struggle with insufficient funding. This financial disparity hampers their ability to operate effectively, limiting their resources for reporting and advocacy.

Moreover, female journalists often face similar risks as male journalists, including illegal detentions by government law enforcement agencies. However, the treatment they receive upon release showcases a troubling gender discrepancy. Instances like Busharo Banday's detention on May, 2023 in Hargeisa highlight this issue, as female journalists are sometimes held in prison without proper prosecution for longer durations than their male counterparts.

Beyond legal challenges, female journalists also grapple with societal attitudes that undermine their work. While in the field collecting information, they encounter verbal harassment due to a lack of respect from certain segments of society, this disrespect stems from entrenched beliefs that journalism is a male-dominated profession, leading to societal resistance and discrimination against women working in this field.

The struggles faced by female journalists in Somaliland and Somalia underscore the urgent need for equitable support and recognition within the profession, addressing the systemic biases and providing adequate resources and protection for female journalists is crucial for fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment where they can thrive professionally without facing undue hurdles.

Additionally, mentorship programs, professional development initiatives, and advocacy for gender parity within journalism could significantly contribute to breaking down barriers and empowering female journalists, recognizing and celebrating the achievements of female journalists and giving them platforms to showcase their expertise and impact within the community are crucial for leveling the playing field. The challenges faced by female journalists in Somaliland and Somalia reflect not just a gender disparity within journalism but also a systemic issue within media organizations, overcoming these obstacles requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders to create an inclusive environment where talent thrives irrespective of gender.

Human Rights Violations and Constitutional Contradictions

The challenges faced by female journalists in Somaliland and Somalia contradict the principles enshrined in the Somaliland Constitution and the Provisional Constitution of Somalia. Both constitutions assert the right to freedom of expression and the right to access information, vital components of a democratic society. Article 32 of the Somaliland Constitution guarantees freedom of opinion and expression, while Article 19 of the Provisional Constitution of Somalia emphasizes the right of individuals to seek, receive, and impart information.

However, the persistent human rights violations against female journalists—such as illegal detentions, discriminatory treatment, and professional marginalization—contradict these constitutional provisions. The lack of supportive legal frameworks and the absence of progressive press laws further exacerbate the plight of female journalists. The inadequacy of laws protecting journalists and ensuring their safety not only undermines their professional integrity but also hampers the public's right to be informed.

The lack of strong press laws in Somaliland and Somalia contributes to an environment where journalists, particularly women, operate without adequate protection. This absence of legal safeguards leaves female journalists vulnerable to harassment, violence, and discrimination, deterring them from effectively carrying out their roles as informants and storytellers. The government’s failure to address these issues creates an environment of impunity, where violations against female journalists are normalized and unchallenged.

Moreover, the consequences of inadequate press laws extend beyond individual journalists to affect the broader society. When female journalists are marginalized or silenced, it hampers the diversity of voices and perspectives in the media, ultimately depriving the public of comprehensive and nuanced reporting. A lack of representation in journalism undermines the democratic ideals of accountability and transparency, limiting the public's access to essential information and hindering societal progress.

International Law and Gender Equality in Journalism

The treatment of female journalists in Somaliland and Somalia also raises significant concerns regarding compliance with international law. Various international treaties and conventions emphasize the importance of gender equality and the protection of journalists. The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) mandates that state parties eliminate discrimination against women in all areas, including employment and participation in public life.

The persistent discrimination and human rights violations faced by female journalists directly contradict the principles outlined in CEDAW and other international human rights instruments. The failure to recognize and support female journalists not only undermines their rights but also impedes the realization of gender equality in the media sector. The systematic exclusion of women from leadership positions within media organizations perpetuates gender disparities and reinforces harmful stereotypes about women's roles in society.

Additionally, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) emphasizes the right to freedom of expression and the right to seek and impart information. The challenges faced by female journalists in Somaliland and Somalia hinder their ability to exercise these rights fully. When female journalists are subjected to harassment, violence, and discrimination, it not only violates their rights as individuals but also undermines the collective right of society to receive diverse and inclusive narratives.

The international community has a key role to play in advocating for the rights of female journalists in Somaliland and Somalia. This includes holding governments accountable for human rights violations, supporting the establishment of progressive press laws, and promoting gender equality within the media sector. Advocacy efforts should also focus on raising awareness of the importance of diverse representation in journalism and the positive impact it can have on societal development.

Conclusion

The plight of female journalists in Somaliland and Somalia highlights the urgent need for systemic reform within media organizations and broader societal structures. The challenges they face—rooted in gender discrimination, inadequate legal protections, and societal biases—require a concerted effort from all stakeholders to create a more equitable and inclusive environment.

Addressing these issues not only benefits female journalists but also strengthens the fabric of democracy by ensuring diverse voices are heard and represented in the media. Implementing mentorship programs, advocating for progressive press laws, and recognizing the achievements of female journalists are critical steps toward breaking down barriers and fostering a culture of equality and respect.

Prioritizing the rights and recognition of female journalists, Somaliland and Somalia can pave the way for a more inclusive media landscape that reflects the richness and diversity of their societies, ultimately contributing to a more informed and engaged public.