With support from the Africa Online Safety Fund, funded by Google, the Somali Women Journalists’ Rights Association (SOWJRA) officially launched the Weheliye App, a first-of-its-kind digital safety resource designed for Somali women, in an event held in Mogadishu, Somalia on February 2, 2025.
In this event attended by more than 50 stakeholders — including women’s rights groups, government representatives, journalists, educators, and tech sector partners, SOWJRA officially launched and presented Weheliye App, digital safety resources intended for Somali women.
The name “Weheliye” — meaning Companion in Somali — perfectly captures the app’s mission: to be a trusted, accessible guide for women navigating the digital world. The app addresses the rising challenges of online harassment, cyber abuse, and digital scams as smartphone and internet use rapidly expand across Somalia.
The event was opened by Ms. Leila Osman, Executive Director of SOWJRA, who welcomed participants and highlighted the urgent need for developing the Weheliye App. She emphasized its importance as a critical tool for Somali women facing the growing threat of online violence and harassment, enabling them to navigate digital spaces more safely and confidently.
“Online harassment, cyberattacks, and digital scams are silencing Somali women and preventing them from fully benefiting from online opportunities. The Weheliye App provides practical, life-saving tools for Somali women to navigate digital platforms safely and confidently.” said Ms. Leila Osman, Executive Director of SOWJRA, in her opening remarks.
She also expressed appreciation to Abdikhayr Mohamed Hussein, a well-known social rights activist and expert on digital rights and cybercrimes in Somalia, for developing the app’s comprehensive digital safety content.
Brief Introduction and Features of the Weheliye App
SOWJRA showcased the app’s key features:
Digital Safety Awareness: Overall understanding of various online threats specific to Somali women, as well as practical tips on cyberbullying, doxxing, hacking, and mobile money scams.
Comprehensive Safety Education: Step-by-step safety tips for protecting accounts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat, equipping them with practical tools to enhance their online safety.
Helpline Function: Direct connection to experts for real-time incident reporting and guidance.
SOWJRA announced that the Weheliye App is now available on both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. The app is free of charge and accessible to all Somali women — and anyone interested in learning about digital safety — who can easily download it anytime from either store.
Why Weheliye App Matters
A survey conducted by SOWJRA in 2022 on the extent of Online Gender-Based Violence in Somalia revealed that 71% of Somali women have experienced online abuse, with hacking (59%), sexual threats (56%), and doxxing (41%) among the most common forms, 69% reported emotional distress and 44% suffered depression or anxiety as a result of online abuse, and 91% never reported incidents due to fear, stigma, or lack of trust in available mechanisms.
These findings paint a stark picture: online spaces, which should empower women, are instead becoming hostile environments. Weheliye App directly addresses this gap by providing safety resources for Somali women.
Stakeholders Speak Out
Speakers highlighted the app’s importance in combating online harassment, and commended Weheliye App.
“Online harassment is a severe and escalating threat to Somali women. We have seen cases where private data was exposed publicly, women were forced to leave the country, and some even took their own lives. Online violence is simply a continuation of the broader gender-based violence in Somalia.” said Ms. Hinda Jama of the Somali National Media Commission.
“SOWJRA’s work is critical, and I encourage them to extend outreach to young women in schools, universities, and colleges — particularly in Mogadishu — where online violence is most widespread.” stated Mr. Abdishakur Ali from the Ministry of Information of Federal Government of Somalia.
“For women journalists, this app is empowering. It allows us to withstand online harassment and use digital platforms safely. I recommend that SOWJRA organize in-person training sessions to help more women learn how to use the app effectively.”emphasized Ms. Bushra Nadir of Bilan Media.
“This initiative is commendable, Somali media should play a bigger role in educating the public about online risks, and I urge SOWJRA to keep the app’s content regularly updated to reflect technological changes.” said Mr. Farah Adani, a local media representative.
Next Steps, Scaling Reach and Impact
SOWJRA announced plans to further expand the reach of the Weheliye App through strategic partnerships with telecom providers, online influencers, and women’s networks. Participants recommended additional measures, including building media partnerships, organizing in-person training sessions, and ensuring regular content updates so the app remains relevant and impactful.
SOWJRA emphasized that promoting, using, and disseminating the app to reach the maximum number of women is a shared responsibility. The organization called on all participants and stakeholders to actively play their role in championing the app and helping more women access its life-saving digital safety resources.
A Transformative Moment for Somali Women
The launch of Weheliye App represents a major step toward safer digital spaces for Somali women. With continued outreach and collaboration, it has the potential to become a transformative platform — enabling women to reclaim the internet, share their voices freely, and benefit from digital opportunities without fear.
SOWJRA calls on government institutions, civil society organizations, and tech partners to join efforts in scaling outreach, translating content into local dialects, and integrating digital safety into school curricula.
Together, we can transform Somalia’s online environment into a space where women are safe, empowered, and heard.
For More information, contact us:
Visit us: Waberi District, SYL Area Near Peace Garden Mogadishu, Somalia
