MOGADISHU, Somalia 3 May 2026 – On World Press Freedom Day, the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) honored four outstanding young journalists and content creators at a time when pressure on independent media continues to rise across the country.
In April, SJS launched the Youth Media Innovation Challenge under its Baraarug initiative, inviting submissions from young journalists across Somalia. The goal was to encourage youth creativity, provide a platform for young people to express their ideas, share their stories, and serve as a voice for their communities—particularly women and those who are often unheard.
Over a period of two weeks, the challenge received more than 20 applications and video submissions from different parts of the country. Women made up 30 percent of the participants. All entrants were young people competing through video production and storytelling, focusing on themes such as freedom of expression, youth issues, and women’s rights.
Following careful evaluation by a judging panel, the most impactful, creative, and deserving entries were selected for recognition. On World Press Freedom Day, SJS awarded four winners with cash prizes and honorary certificates in recognition of their work.
The winners are:
Position 1: Mohamed Jeilani Abukar (Mogadishu): Mohamed’s story highlights Mogadishu’s only all-women newsroom, Bilan Media, and the daily challenges faced by women reporters and camera operators. It sheds light on the additional barriers they navigate in a conservative environment with significant restrictions on women. Watch Mohamed’s story on YouTube.
Position 2: Anisa Abdiasis Hussein (Mogadishu): Anisa, a journalist from a marginalized community, has previously experienced targeted attacks against media workers. Her story, “Why Telling the Truth is Dangerous?”, captures the lived reality of journalists in Mogadishu, highlighting risks such as arbitrary arrests, threats, and confiscation of equipment. Watch Anisa’s story on YouTube.
Position 3: Abdulkadir Yasin Abdulle (Galkayo, Central Somalia): Abdulkadir’s story, “The Clan Identity Trap: How Somali Women are Silenced,” amplifies the voices of women and youth, focusing on Somali women caught between their father’s and husband’s clan identities. This reality often limits their rights, including political participation and access to opportunities. Watch Abdulkadir’s story on YouTube.
Special Mention: Ismail Mohamed Sayidali: Ismail’s story highlights marriage discrimination faced by people with disabilities in Somalia.
“I was not expecting to come out on top because of the many participants. However, I did my best and carefully thought about how to present my story creatively, focusing on an important issue—women in the media and their rights. I am thankful to SJS. This has given me the motivation to produce more videos and continue advocating for human rights,” said Mohamed Jeilani Abukar.”
Second-place winner Anisa Abdiaziz Hussein said gathering material for her story took several days and came with challenges, but encouragement from colleagues helped her persist. She added: “I would like to encourage SJS to make this contest an annual event so that more young journalists can participate and build a strong profession. When there is competition, everyone strives to do their best, and that helps develop the careers of young journalists and content creators.”
SJS President, Mohamed Ibrahim congratulated the winners stating that: “On World Press Freedom Day, SJS is pleased to recognize both the courage and the resilience of young journalists and content creators working under extremely difficult conditions. Despite rising threats, arbitrary arrests, and intimidation, they continue to serve the public with professionalism and determination. Through initiatives like the Baraarug Youth Media Innovation Challenge, SJS remains committed to supporting young journalists, amplifying the voices of women and the youth, and defending the fundamental right to freedom of expression.”