Breaking barriers: Somalia launches first women-led TV show

Somalia is set to break new ground in female empowerment with the launch of its first-ever current affairs TV show, entirely led by women. Spearheaded by Bilan, the nation’s exclusive all-female media team, the program aims to address sensitive topics in a groundbreaking format for Somali television.

The show will encourage audience to dig in issues

Scheduled to premiere on International Women’s Day, March 8, the debate show will feature a panel comprising at least 50% female representatives and will be hosted by Naima Said Salah. Drawing inspiration from formats like the UK’s BBC show “Question Time,” the program will traverse the country, encouraging audience engagement and delving into contentious issues such as the shortage of female educators, women’s political challenges, and environmental crises.

Bilan, meaning “bright and clear” in the Somali language, declared that the show seeks to provide a platform for discussions that have long been overlooked in a country where women’s voices have historically been marginalized.

Fathi Mohamed Ahmed, the chief editor of Bilan, emphasized that the show will explore various facets of Somali society beyond the typical focus on politics and conflict. She stated, “There are so many stories to cover on Somali society, especially about Somali people and what is happening here. We are going to cover all those stories.”

The pilot of the show was already a success

The decision to highlight subjects like period education stems from the success of a pilot episode, where Salah facilitated open conversations about menstruation and its societal implications with a young woman in the public eye. Salah remarked, “Women, including me, never had the opportunity to learn about periods as girls; even our own mothers don’t discuss it. People think this is taboo, but it is a fact; it exists, and we cannot ignore it.”

This initiative has garnered praise from women figures around the country, who recognizes its potential to address critical gaps in community support for young girls.

Established in 2022 with backing from the UN Development Programme, Bilan has emerged as a guiding light for female journalists in an industry traditionally dominated by men. Despite encountering discrimination and harassment, the team has remained resolute in its commitment to illuminate underreported stories, ranging from HIV to child abuse and postnatal depression.

Bilan wants to expand to offer support for women journalists

With ambitious plans for growth and recruitment, Bilan aims to revolutionize Somali media by providing a secure environment for women to share their experiences and perspectives. UNDP Somalia’s Deputy Resident Representative, Sophie Kemkhadze, acknowledged the impact of Bilan over the past year, stating, “Bilan has offered a safe space where Somali women journalists can take charge. By addressing issues like HIV/AIDS and gender violence, we have initiated some of the very first public debates on these subjects and shifted public attitudes toward women in journalism.”

Kemkhadze also shared future plans, stating that in the coming year, Bilan will expand to offer support to more women journalists in Somalia.