By Bilan’s editor, Hinda Abdi Mohamoud, and the newest recruit to the team, Ifrah Isse Mohamed.
A little more than two years ago there was no such thing as Bilan Media. Now our tiny team of six young women journalists in Mogadishu, Somalia has been thrust onto the global stage by winning the highly competitive One World Media Press Freedom award.
In one of the world’s most dangerous places to be a journalist, doubly so if you are a woman, this prize is far more than a trophy. It not only a recognition of how far we have come but vindication of our commitment to fearless journalism. By raising our profile, the award elevates the unheard voices of the Somali communities we report on and emphasises the importance of media freedom in a challenging environment. Bilan’s role is to tell the truth and to give a voice to the voiceless, despite the daily dangers we face as we go about our work.
In Somalia it is business as usual for journalists to face threats, detention and violence. Press freedom is more than a right; it drives democracy and is the initiator of social progress. We have seen how our reports on taboo issues such as albinism, AIDS and HIV, orphan mothers and the dearth of education about menstrual hygiene have changed attitudes and generated promises of change from government departments. We must hold those in authority to account, regularly questioning them on whether they have upheld those promises and, if not, when they plan to do so.
The award has not only created global exposure for Bilan – it has encouraged other Somali journalists to strive for similar recognition. The Press Freedom prize belongs to all journalists in Somalia who seek and tell the truth.
Another positive aspect of the award is that it has transformed the way people in Somalia view Bilan. Many in our community, including members of our families and friendship groups, have been sceptical, even hostile, about our work. Winning the prize has played a big role in winning their respect and support.
Bilan has enabled women journalists in Somalia to tell the stories they want to tell for local and international media. Female media workers are usually marginalised and harassed. Now we have a platform to decide what we want to report on and what angles to take on stories. It is telling that, unlike most Somali media, we don’t focus on politics and conflict. As we film, write and edit our stories ourselves, we have total control. Our enabling working environment has enabled us to bring to light unique stories, negative and positive.
Our work can be hard and dispiriting. We face daily challenges with insults regularly hurled at us for choosing to be journalists which many see as an unacceptable profession for women. We are asked why we aren’t staying at home, cooking, cleaning and looking after the children. Winning the Press Freedom award has energised us and renewed our spirit, encouraging us to keep pursuing the truth and giving the marginalised in our society the chance to tell their stories.