FESOJ and MWN Organized Training Workshop to improve Direct Election Reporting in Beledeweyne city
Beledweyne city, Thursday, April 25, 2024: Twenty Somali journalists have undergone 3- day training on improving direct election reporting in Beledweyne city, Hirshabelle State on Thursday.
The training held at Eiyow Hotel in Beledweyne city was jointly organized and completed by the Federation of Somali Journalists (FESOJ) and the Media Women Network (MWN) in partnership with the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) from 23rd to 25th April 2024.
The training workshop aimed to strengthen the capacity of journalists in the culture of direct election and election reporting in Somalia has been conducted for twenty targeted journalists, 50% female from various media outlets operational in Beledweyne city , Hiran region, including
radio stations, Television, Websites and freelancers.
Special consideration was given to the journalists with disabilities and the marginalized to take part in participation of the three – day training program.
With this training workshop, the journalists will learn how to report the direct elections from the start to the end, this will further promote the system of governance of Somalia.” Fardowsa Abdirahman, Chairlady of Media Women Network (MWN) organization pointed out in her introductory remarks.
“The training is very significant for the community in Beledweyne city, especially for the journalists as the Presidential election for the Hirshabelle State is planned to take place in the near future.” Abdiwajid Sheikh Omar Nuurow , Deputy Chairman of Social Affairs of Hiran Region pointed out in his official launching of the workshop.
During the workshop proceedings, the participants enhanced their skills in election reporting, with a focus on advancing public engagement and promoting good governance. The training sessions covered a variety of topics, including inclusive reporting on direct elections, ethical journalism practices, and countering misinformation and hate speech.
Facilitators from FESOJ and MWN, prominent experts in media training, led vibrant discussions on different election-related topics. These included the responsible use of social media in elections, conflict-sensitive reporting, and ensuring journalist safety during election campaigns.
Participants expressed their appreciation for the workshop’s impact on their professional and social development. Hussein Sheikh Abdullaahi , disable person invited to attend urged the journalists to encourage people with disabilities to take part in the election process, either to elect or being elected.
Muna Hussein Abdi , female journalist working with TV Hirshabelle praised the training indicating that it’s the first time she has attended this type of training on direct election reporting mentioning she will use the gained experience and the skills with the forthcoming elections in Hirshabelle State.
In conclusion, Abdiwajid Sheikh Omar Nuurow , Deputy Chairman of Social Affairs of Hiran Region praised the workshop’s advantages for trained journalists, encouraging the fundamental role of journalists in election reporting.
