The training, which commenced today in Hargeisa, seeks to strengthen the professional skills of women journalists by enhancing their ability to effectively use social media platforms for journalistic and public communication purposes.

The opening ceremony was held under the auspices of the Deputy Minister of Information, Culture, and Awareness of the Republic of Somaliland, who commended FIMO and UNSOM for their joint efforts in promoting gender equality and supporting the professional growth of women in the media sector.

In her opening remarks, the Deputy Minister highlighted the increasing importance of digital media in shaping public discourse and encouraged participants to take full advantage of the training. She emphasized that by mastering digital platforms, women journalists can play a greater role in influencing narratives, amplifying community voices, and contributing to informed public debate across Somaliland.

Throughout the three-day program, participants will engage in practical sessions, group discussions, and interactive exercises designed to enhance their digital literacy, content creation, and online engagement strategies. The sessions are being led by media experts and trainers from both FIMO and UNSOM, who bring extensive experience in journalism, communication, and digital media management.

The training modules focus on key areas including:

• Responsible use of social media for news dissemination;

• Fact-checking and combating misinformation online;

• Building a professional online presence;

• Ethical standards and digital security for journalists; and

• Strategies for using social media to reach wider audiences effectively.

Speaking at the event, Ms. [insert name if known], Executive Director of FIMO, reaffirmed the organization’s ongoing commitment to supporting women journalists across Somaliland. She stated that empowering female media professionals with modern digital tools is critical to ensuring their competitiveness and visibility in the evolving media landscape.

Representatives from UNSOM also underscored the importance of inclusive media development, noting that gender-balanced journalism contributes significantly to peacebuilding, social cohesion, and the promotion of democratic values.

This initiative forms an integral part of FIMO’s broader mission to build the capacity of women in media, promote ethical journalism, and strengthen the role of female journalists in shaping the national dialogue. It also reflects UNSOM’s continued support for local institutions and its commitment to advancing women’s empowerment and freedom of expression in Somaliland and the wider region.

As the training progresses, participants expressed their appreciation for the opportunity, noting that the skills gained will not only enhance their professional performance but also help them use digital platforms to engage audiences more effectively and advocate for social change.