Next generation of Somali women journalists

Bilan’s internship programme kicked off this week, welcoming two interns from Mogadishu University and Somalia National

University. Chosen from among the best students and recent graduates at the journalism faculties of both institutions, Aamino Nor Hussein and Fatima Adam Rage, will have the chance to work part time for six months at the Bilan offices, producing stories with Bilan’s team of journalists and joining masterclasses and other training opportunities.

Launched in April 2022, Bilan is Somalia’s first all-women media team. Staffed and run entirely by women with full editorial independence, the unit covers hard news and in-depth features, holding leaders to account and making sure women’s stories and voices are heard. Bilan is funded and supported by UNDP and hosted by Dalsan Media Group at offices in Mogadishu.

In its first four months of operation, Bilan has taken the Somali media scene by storm. Bilan’s stories are broadcast on Dalsan TV and Dalsan Radio twice a week and have been seen by more than 3m people online via Dalsan, UNDP and Bilan’s own websites and social media channels. Some of the biggest names in international media have provide masterclasses, including the BBC’s Mishal Husain, ITV’s Rageh Omar,

Channel 4’s Lindsey Hilsum and Abdi Latif Dahir of the New York Times. Bilan has also established content partnerships with the Guardian, BBC , El Pais and Missing Perspectives, bringing Somali women’s journalism to the world.

Bilan’s coverage has helped shine a light on issues that have long been ignored, from the growing problem of drug use among women in Mogadishu, to child marriage and the resilience of women farmers finding a way to pay their way through university. Story by story, Bilan is making sure that issue of importance to women are put before decision makers and the wider public. We look forward to seeing what new stories Aamino and Fatima bring to the screens as they take their first steps into professional journalism.