FESOJ Organizes Follow-Up Workshop on Assessing Priority Needs of Somali Journalists with Disabilities
Mogadishu, Tuesday, January 6, 2026: The Federation of Somali Journalists (FESOJ) has concluded one-day follow -up workshop on mapping priority needs for Somali disable journalists that was held on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at Sahafi Hotel in Mogadishu city, Somalia.
Members from the Somali Disable Journalists Union who are working for various media outlets in the cities of Mogadishu, Kismayo, Dhuusamareeb and Baidoa were the main participants in the meeting discussing the overall situation of the journalists with the special needs and their priority needs.
The follow – up workshop was intending to review and validate priority needs of Somali journalists with disabilities, address gaps and agree on inclusive action to strengthen safety, capacity and equal participation in the media sector.
“There is need to follow – up the rights of the disable journalists, especially in respect with the Somali government commitment towards promoting inclusivity, and grant persons with disabilities a meaningful support and role in the country’s political process, particularly within the ongoing constitutional review.” Mohamed Mohamud Adde , Senior Media Trainer has pointed out in his opening remarks.
The meeting reviewed key achievements and ongoing challenges faced by journalists with disabilities. The participants highlighted the establishment of social media platforms that produce and share media programs addressing disability-related issues across Somalia, including initiatives focused on sports, and journalists ‘training on sign language.
It was also noted that a journalist with a disability working at Radio Ergo is successfully producing and broadcasting humanitarian-focused programs that showcase the achievements and success stories of journalists with disabilities. Additionally, the meeting emphasized that some journalists with disabilities have gained opportunities to participate in capacity-building programs on environmental issues and their impacts.
The discussion noted that several previous priorities have been partially achieved. Journalists with disabilities have benefited from training opportunities provided by FESOJ, VIKES, FPU, CAFIS, and previously by ILO, UNDP, and UNSOM. They have also received some technology accessibility support, benefit from a more flexible work culture, and enjoy increased public support and social protection for disadvantaged groups. In addition, legal aid is occasionally provided, and incidents of discrimination are reported to be decreasing.
However, the meeting observed significant challenges remain, still there is need to review the media law as it’s not mentioning the rights of disable journalists, the disadvantaged Journalists continue to face limited access to assistive equipment, healthcare, justice, adequate wages, dedicated workspaces, and leadership opportunities. They also operate in high-risk environments and experience limited training opportunities. Despite these constraints, participants expressed optimism for future improvements following the adoption of the National Disability Act in 2024.
In response to the growing priority needs of journalists with disabilities in Somalia, particularly limited employment opportunities, the meeting recommended the establishment of a social media group to promote positive messaging and support for journalists with disabilities.
In his closing remarks, FESOJ Secretary General Farah Omar Nur emphasized the need for FESOJ to strengthen its role in mobilizing support, securing resources, and sustaining dialogue on the challenges faced by journalists with disabilities.
Farah Omar Nur, FESOJ Secretary General has thanked the disable journalists in Mogadishu and the others in the regions through online for their participation in the meeting.
The meeting is part of program activities funded by the EU, supported by Free Press Unlimited (FPU) and implemented by FESOJ in cooperation with VIKES.
