Somalia's All-Women Media Outlet, 'Bilan', Expands Coverage to Empower Women

Bilan, Somalia's pioneering all-women media outlet founded in 2022 in Mogadishu, is expanding its coverage. Bilan, which has a dedicated six-woman newsroom, has been presenting a unique combination of breaking news and in-depth pieces that focus on women's lived experiences.

Bilan, being an independent media platform managed by female journalists, has the freedom to choose what, when, and how they cover issues, providing a unique viewpoint and insight into women's lives and thoughts. Bilan's reporting have reached both local viewers through Dalsan and worldwide readers through recognised sites like as The Guardian, BBC, El Pais, and the Toronto Star since its beginnings. Bilan now intends to expand its offices in order to assist other female journalists in other places.

This growth is especially noteworthy for Somalia, which is rated fourth in the world in terms of gender equality by the United Nations. Somali women and girls confront severe obstacles, including some of the world's highest maternal and newborn death rates, as well as widespread early marriage practises, with 36% of girls marrying before the age of 18.

According to Fathi Mohamed Ahmed, Chief Editor of Bilan, addressing women's concerns in public might be difficult owing to Somalia's strongly patriarchal society. "We know Somalis, and for them, girls' issues are shameful," she stated. Recent Bilan coverage of HIV/AIDS, autism, and menstrual hygiene education has prompted crucial dialogues, both online and in public, leading to calls for material and political change for women.

The UN Development Programme (UNDP) assists Bilan by giving financing and equipment, as well as a mentorship and traineeship programme for ambitious female journalists, which includes collaborations with journalists from the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Al Jazeera.