FESOJ Concludes Advocacy Meeting with Media Owners and Managers in Mogadishu
Mogadishu, Tuesday, March 11, 2025: The Federation of Somali Journalists (FESOJ) has successfully concluded an advocacy meeting with ten media directors and owners from various media organizations operating in Mogadishu, Somalia.
Held on Monday, March 10, 2025, at Spaghetti House in Mogadishu, the meeting aimed to raise awareness and foster a deeper understanding among media managers and owners of the critical need to advocate for improved labor rights and working conditions for media professionals.
“We are pleased to have had the opportunity to engage in this meaningful discussion with you, focusing on advancing labor rights and enhancing the working conditions for journalists,” stated Hassan Mohamed Dahir of FESOJ in his welcoming remarks.
In his opening address, Farah Omar Nur, Secretary General of FESOJ, highlighted the importance of collaboration between media managers and FESOJ to improve the labor rights of media personnel and establish formal employment agreements.
“This meeting builds on previous efforts and underscores the necessity of raising awareness, exchanging insights, and working collectively to improve the working conditions of journalists while safeguarding their labor rights,” Farah Omar emphasized.
Abaadir Abdulkadir Elmi, Chairman of FESOJ, further emphasized the significance of the meeting, stating, “This forum provides an essential opportunity for media managers and owners to unite in their efforts to strengthen the labor rights of media professionals, improve safety standards, and enhance the overall professional development of journalists.”
Ahmed Tifow, Chairman of the Trusted Persons Committee, outlined several challenges faced by media workers, including the absence of written contracts, inadequate compensation, lack of paid overtime, insufficient leave policies, limited training opportunities, and the reluctance of journalists to discuss their concerns with media leadership. He underscored that establishing written contracts is vital in addressing these issues and urged for a collaborative approach to find sustainable solutions.
During his presentation, Ahmed Ali Mohamed Sharif, Senior Media Trainer, outlined the essential principles of labor rights in employment, emphasizing the importance of a cooperative employer-employee relationship. He also discussed key elements of a comprehensive human resources policy, including equal opportunity, terms and conditions, recruitment processes, performance management, grievance procedures, staff development, disciplinary protocols, health and safety, and the prevention of mistreatment and harassment.
Mohamed Mohamud Adde, Senior Media Trainer and FESOJ Consultant, also presented a session focusing on the rights of editors and the importance of protecting journalists’ labor rights within the media industry.
The meeting concluded with participants suggesting increased collaboration between media managers and FESOJ to address the lack of written contracts, devise solutions to the low income affecting the sustainability of media organizations, and preserve human resources within the media sector.
Finally, Farah Omar Nur, Secretary General of FESOJ, expressed his gratitude to the media managers for their participation and emphasized the need for continued collaboration to improve journalists’ working conditions and safeguard their labor rights through ongoing dialogue within their respective organizations.
The advocacy meeting is part of a program funded by the European Union (EU), supported by Free Press Unlimited (FPU), and implemented by FESOJ in partnership with VIKES.
