Somali Women Journalists’ Rights Association (SOWJRA), with support from the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), is pleased to invite applications from passionate Somali young women to participate in a Digital Media and Storytelling Training to be held in Mogadishu.

About SOWJRA

Somali Women Journalists’ Rights Association (SOWJRA) is a women-led, non-governmental, and non-profit organization founded in 2017 by Somali women journalists. Its mission is to defend the rights of women in media, promote gender balance in mass communication, and advance women’s and girls’ full enjoyment of human rights — including freedom from violence, reproductive rights, access to justice, socio-economic equality, and participation in decision-making in Somalia.

About Training

This training forms part of the CFLI-supported project “Amplifying Somali Women’s Voices by Increasing Media Representation and GBV Awareness Through Training and Digital storytelling”. The project seeks to increase Somali women’s visibility, leadership, and participation in digital media, with a specific focus on amplifying the voices of women and girls affected by gender-based violence (GBV), particularly those from internally displaced and marginalized communities. Through this training, participants will learn to produce survivor-centered stories addressing gender-based violence (GBV) and other underreported issues affecting Somali women and girls — including rape, harassment, domestic violence, child abuse, early and forced marriage, and female genital mutilation (FGM/C).

Training Details

• Location: Mogadishu, Benadir Region
• Dates: Tentatively January 2–7, 2026 (exact venue and dates to be confirmed with selected participants)
• Duration: 5 full days (in-person, full-time participation required)

Who Can Apply

We invite applications from:

• Young women aged 18–35 years living in Mogadishu, with priority of those from internally displaced or marginalized communities.
• Emerging female journalists, storytellers, bloggers, digital content creators, and activists.
• Young women passionate about using media to promote gender equality, women’s rights, and social change.
• No prior journalism background required — interest, creativity, and commitment are what matter most.

What Participants Will Gain

• Hands-on skills in mobile journalism, videography, photography, and social media storytelling.
• Knowledge of ethical reporting, GBV-sensitive storytelling, and human rights narratives.
• Two months of post-training mentorship with experienced media professionals.
• Opportunity to publish digital stories that highlight women’s voices and lived experiences.
• Small grant to use for production and dissemination of digital stories.
• A Certificate of Completion after successful completion of the training and mentorship program.

What Is Expected from Participants After Training

After completing the training, participants are expected to:

• Produce and publish at least one digital story highlighting issues affecting women and girls in Somalia.
• Actively engage in the Women Digital Media Network established by SOWJRA, sharing stories and resources with peers.
• Use their new skills to raise awareness about gender-based violence, women’s rights, and social inclusion.
• Mentor or support other women interested in digital media or storytelling within their communities.
• Participate in follow-up mentorship sessions to refine their stories and strengthen their advocacy impact.

This program is designed not only to build individual capacity but also to create a ripple effect of empowerment, nurturing a generation of Somali women digital storytellers and advocates for a more gender-just society.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to complete the below online application form:

• Online Application Form

Application Deadline: 25 December 2025

• Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

For More Information, Contract Us:

• Email: info@sowjra.org / sowjra11@gmail.com
• Tell: +252 61 5610500

Empower Her Voice. Transform the Narrative. Amplify Change.

This training is implemented by the Somali Women Journalists’ Rights Association (SOWJRA) with the support of the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI).