PRESS RELEASE: NUSOJ Organizes a Panel Discussion on Protection and Safety of Women Journalists in Conflict Situations in Mogadishu
The panel discussion which aimed to delve into the specific challenges and risks that women journalists face in conflict zones as well as the ways to address them, was held at Maka al –Mukarama Hotel with the support from the United Nations Somalia Mission (UNSOM) Human Rights and Protection Unit. At the opening of the forum, senior journalist and media trainer Abdalle Mumin made a very concise presentation on the latest statistics on about attacks and threats that targeted women in the media highlighting the need for developing protection policy for women in journalism including self-defense against rape and other physical threats including those targeting women journalists on the internet. Mahir Jama Adan, NUSOJ Chairperson who led the panel discussion, has on his side called for a nationwide reporting mechanism so that incidents affecting female journalists are better documented. "The safety need of the female journalists not only happen on the field when on assignment. They also exist at the workplaces,” Mar. Mahir said "Female journalists are courageous but also vulnerable when working in conflict and fragile security zones.” Mohamed Abdiwahab, the Secretary General of Somali Media Association (SOMA) has acknowledged NUSOJ for hosting the panel discussion in an appropriate time. He said media directors under SOMA umbrella were taking the protection and the safety of the women in the media as serious issue and necessity requirement for all media outlets. "Male Journalists are not safe if their female counterparts are not safe,”Mr Abdiwahab adds "Female reporters have unique safety challenges and therefore need unique approach.” "We’ve seen female journalists who are either abused, threatened or personally and physically attacked. Unfortunately these women are not willing to come out and speak.” Maryan said. "Women should not take risk of reporting from frontline while not having all procedures to safeguard their lives and their dignity. Media directors should ensure that female staff in their media houses are given special arrangement of safety.” the lawyer pointed out. Mohamed Ibrahim Moalimuu NUSOJ Secretary General thanks to United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia especially for UN Human Rights and Protection office for their collaboration and assistance to the Somali journalists on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression. The panel discussion ended smoothly as participants made a call for unified endeavor to safeguard women in the media in Somalia. End |
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©2018 National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) | Maka Almukarama road ,Waberi ,Mogadishu ,Somalia |
PRESS RELEASE: NUSOJ Organizes a Panel Discussion on Protection and Safety of Women Journalists in Conflict Situations in Mogadishu
The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) has held a one-day panel discussion on the protection and the safety of the women journalists in conflict situations in Mogadishu, hosting representatives from media houses, government officials, lawye