FESOJ Marks 2025 IDEI by Empowering Women Journalists and Combating AI-Facilitated Violence
Mogadishu, Somalia, November 5, 2025: With the support of the Finnish Foundation for Media and Development (VIKES), the Federation of Somali Journalists (FESOJ) successfully commemorated the 2025 International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists (IDEI) on November 2, 2025, at the Peace Garden in Mogadishu. The event was held under the global theme “Chat GBV: Raising Awareness on AI-facilitated Gender-Based Violence Against Women Journalists.” It highlighted the growing challenges posed by technology-driven online abuse and reinforced the urgent need to protect women journalists and promote accountability for crimes committed against them.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Farah Omar Nur, FESOJ Secretary General, emphasized that the IDEI is not only a day of remembrance but a call to action. “This commemoration reminds us of the journalists who have lost their lives in pursuit of truth and justice. It is our duty to strengthen accountability mechanisms and ensure that impunity does not prevail,” he stated. He further urged Somali journalists to pursue justice through legal means and encouraged journalism students to uphold ethics and national media laws as they prepare to join the profession.
Mr. Ahmed Ali Mohamed, Head of FESOJ’s Training Department, delivered a presentation on the event’s theme, stressing the growing risks of AI-facilitated gender-based violence. He noted that raising awareness and building digital resilience among women journalists are crucial to safeguarding their safety online. He also called on media institutions and civil society to collaborate on advocacy and legislation that address digital harassment and gendered abuse in the media.
The event’s centerpiece was an all-female panel discussion moderated by Ms. Hana Mohamed Mohamud, featuring Ms. Duniya Mohamed from civil society, Ms. Sadia Nur Iid from Bilan Media, Ms. Farhia Mohamud Yusuf, writer and social activist, and Ms. Naima Said Salah, reporter. The discussion focused on the realities of online harassment faced by women journalists and the ways it undermines their professional integrity and mental well-being.
Panelist Ms. Sadia Nur Iid emphasized the importance of solidarity and empowerment among women in media, stating, “Women journalists must not be silenced by fear or intimidation. Our voices matter, and our presence in the media is a form of empowerment.” Ms. Duniya Mohamed echoed this sentiment, underscoring the importance of equipping women journalists with legal awareness and digital safety knowledge to ensure their protection and equal participation in the media sector.
The panel concluded with a shared call for stronger policies and accountability mechanisms to combat online gender-based violence. Panelists recommended introducing clear legal penalties for perpetrators, expanding digital safety training, and encouraging collaboration between the media, law enforcement, and the judiciary to strengthen protection for women journalists.
Veteran journalist Mr. Mohamed Mohamud Adde commended FESOJ’s focus on AI-facilitated violence, noting that awareness and empowerment are the first steps to ensuring the safety of women journalists. He encouraged women to remain vigilant and proactive in reporting online threats. Similarly, Mr. Mohamed Osman Makaraan, Director of Radio Hiranweyn, emphasized that the annual IDEI commemoration provides an important opportunity to reaffirm collective commitment to justice, freedom of expression, and media safety across Somalia.
The spokesman for Somalia’s Police Force, Major Abdifatah Aden expressed readiness to work closely with media organizations, including FESOJ, to tackle digital and AI-related threats. He encouraged journalists to document and share any unresolved cases of harassment or violence so that justice can be pursued.
Avv. Mohamed Abdirisak of Hiil Law Firm reiterated his organization’s continued partnership with FESOJ in supporting Somali journalists through legal assistance and representation. He urged journalists to seek professional legal advice whenever they face threats or violations, reaffirming that justice and protection are essential components of press freedom.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Abdullahi Hayir Duale, Director General of the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting journalists and ensuring freedom of expression. He noted that the Ministry has developed a social media management system incorporating Artificial Intelligence, which has been approved by the Cabinet to promote responsible online engagement and prevent misuse.
Mr. Duale highlighted that Somalia’s Constitution guarantees freedom of speech and media independence, describing journalists as vital partners in strengthening democracy and accountability. He further commended FESOJ’s continued role in promoting professionalism and safeguarding journalists’ rights nationwide.
The 2025 IDEI commemoration organized by FESOJ served as a powerful platform to amplify women’s voices, promote digital safety, and foster solidarity across the media sector. The event reaffirmed FESOJ’s unwavering commitment to empowering women journalists, defending press freedom, and ending impunity for crimes against journalists in Somalia.
