An All-Female Newsroom Lighting the Way in Somalia

Bilan is supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which provides funding, equipment and a mentoring programme with some of the biggest names in journalism, such as the BBC’s Mishal Husain. In return, Bilan offers its own internship programme to female journalism students at local universities. The internships run for six months and offer students the chance to learn on the job in a professional news environment, with both training and practical experience offered. 

Bilan, which means bright and pure, sets its own agenda and, as such, is able to dig into female-centric stories, alongside societal and social issues, as well as tell wider stories relating to politics and crime. When Qissa spoke with Fathi Mohamed Ahmed, Chief Editor at Bilan, she spoke of her career before Bilan: 

‘Before, it was rare to go out reporting, making stories, having interviews with high profile people because the (male) directors and the editors didn’t allow you to do that.’

So, when asked to describe the need for an all-female news team in Somalia, Ahmed said:

‘To show what Somali female journalists can do and the difference this can make in journalism. For example they say in Somalia; in journalism they are just hiding the news in the studio. But this is different from that because you are the one who goes out to make live broadcasts, interviews, shooting, editing and the broadcast. So, Bilan makes a difference and we are going to change the perception of female journalists in society.’

Ahmed knows the need to change that perception more than most. Her own path to journalism was shrouded in secrecy as she was scared of what her family would think of her. Her father was angry when he found out she was studying journalism, thinking it was not a suitable career for a woman, but, as her career has grown from strength to strength, he is now incredibly proud of the work she does. 

And indeed he should be proud. Bilan has already written stories for major international news outlets such as El Pais in Spain and The Guardian in the UK. Future plans include the establishment of networks for Somali women journalists to collaborate with women reporters in similarly difficult environments around the world. These exchanges will provide a system for women journalists to support each other and share experiences and skills.

When asked if there were any female journalists in particular that Ahmed would like to work with, or who inspire her generally, she referenced Mary Harper, the BBC Africa Editor, who she described as a ‘little angel’. Personally, at Qissa, we’re really inspired by the whole team at Bilan and what they’ve already achieved. They are telling the stories they want to tell, the way they want to tell them, and they have created an amazing space for women to feel supported and to promote stories of positivity and overcoming adversity!