FESOJ Completed Extended Training on Trade Union Rights with Trusted Persons in Mogadishu
Mogadishu, Friday, May 23, 2025: The Federation of Somali Journalists (FESOJ) has completed one-day training workshop on labor rights and trade union rights with twenty trusted persons from ten media houses operational in Mogadishu held on Thursday, May 22, 2025 at Iftin Foundation Training Hall in Mogadishu, Somalia.
“The training is aiming to extend strengthening the understanding of the trade union functions, especially addressing the labor rights disputes between employees and media employers.” Farah Omar Nur, Secretary General of FESOJ pointed out in his opening remarks.
The twenty trusted persons in attendance were selected from various media stations operational in Mogadishu. Ahmed Hassan Tifow , Chairperson of the Trusted persons Committee briefly raised the status of the committee and their present working situation. He indicated the committee is continuing to raise the awareness of the journalists in regard to their labor rights and their professional obligation mentioning they were provided with a booklet guide entitled “Journalist Know Your Rights”
He explained the committee are working closely with FESOJ reporting labor cases that may require further intervention where necessary.
In a presentation, Ahmed Ali Mohamed Sharif, FESOJ senior media trainer led preliminary session for exchanging information among participants relating with the current journalists’ labor rights situation and challenges.
He described the significance of having contract between the employer and the employee, and detailed procedure of employment on the bases of labor rights and how the employer and the employee could work and cooperate together.
In addition, he further explained nine elements relating with the human resources policy including equal opportunities and diversity, terms and conditions, selection and recruitment, performance management, grievance procedures, fair treatment, staff development, disciplinary procedures, health and safety and prevention of bulling and harassment.
Farah Omar Nur, Secretary General of the Federation of Somali Journalists (FESOJ) briefly mentioned that FESOJ has launched, printed and distributed a booklet entitled “Journalists Know Your Rights”
“The booklet serves as a handbook and summarizes the recommendations made during the labor advocacy campaigns and training for the trusted persons, such as awarding contracts to the working journalists to protect their employment rights.” Farah Omar Nur, FESOJ Secretary-General described.
“Furthermore, in addition of Mogadishu, we have distributed copies of the launched booklets at each of the key regions for the journalists working for the media outlets in the regional states.” Farah Omar added.
In conclusion, Farah Omar Nur, FESOJ Secretary General has appreciated the twenty trusted persons for participating in the training program on labor rights to improve the working conditions of the journalists at the media workplaces. He said similar trainings are intended to be conducted at the major regions across Somalia.
“The training program has improved our understanding on how to address the labour rights disagreements at the workplaces.” Farhan Mohamed Hussein, program producer from Radio Kulmiye FM described.
Ilhan Mustaf Nur, Reporter/Presenter from Radio Dalsan mentioned that she will apply what they have learned from the training program and appreciated FESOJ for providing the opportunity.
The training is part of program activities funded by the EU, supported by Free Press Unlimited (FPU) and implemented by FESOJ in cooperation with VIKES.
