Mogadishu, 30 April 2022: Nimo Arwa Abdulle, a hard-working and determined female journalist, has been appointed as the head of programmes at Astaan TV, a privately owned television network, which is the largest Cable TV in Somalia, based in Mogadishu, in February 2022.
Astan TV, which has about 12 different channels dedicated to Sports, Films, education, kids TV and so on, is one of the first media companies that signed the SWJO’s Gender respect declaration supported by IMS-Fojo Somali Media Development program.
Ms. Abdulle was born and raised in Mogadishu, where she was also schooled. In 2016, she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Business and Technology from the University of Somalia (UNISO). She benefited from Somali National University’s Professional Journalism Courses supported by IMS-Fojo and she appreciated the skills gained from the university, which helped her to be promoted.
The new head of the programmes previously worked with Benadir Radio in 2012 before joining Astaan TV’s customer care department in November 2016. Abdulle’s enthusiasm for journalism has enabled her to study and work diligently to advance her career as a producer, presenter, and deputy director.
She conveyed her appreciation to the Astaan TV’s management for the promotion as well as to her female coworkers for their support and for SWJO for its generous work to empower women journalists.
Yet, Ms. Abdulle is confident to credit her accomplishments to her hard work and dedication.
“I’ve worked hard and done well over the years. That, I believe, is why I was chosen for this position,” she said.
Mr. Omar Ali Bashe, managing director of Astaan TV, explained that Ms. Abdulle was appointed for her hard work and professionalism. The director also confirmed that females were given first priority in terms of the promotion at Astaan TV, but he added that good performance and creativity were also important factors.
In 2018, the company signed the gender declaration agreement.
“We have policies in place to protect the privacy, ethics, and morals of employees, including females. When it comes to these kinds of policies, we are in lead compared to other networks,” Astaan’s director, Mr. Bashe said.
He advised journalists to be professional and seek the truth at all times. He also stressed the importance of women journalists fighting for their rights and never giving up.
According to Ms. Abdulle, female journalists are viewed negatively by the public. She once had the same sentiments, but that has now changed.
“I used to think that journalism was only for men, but times have changed. Female journalists, in my opinion, could do better. I am pleased to say that women are highly valued at Astaan TV, and we do the bulk of the work, but if you do not make an effort, no one will ever do your job,” she said.
The former deputy director advised female journalists to further their education to advance professionally. She stressed the significance of female journalists’ training and pledged to do everything she could to assist, promote, and encourage them.
Given the fact that some female journalists are being promoted and their working circumstances are improving, it is reasonable to conclude that the SWJO’s efforts to advocate for fair treatment of female journalists are having a pleasing effect. Although much progress has been made, there is still much more work to be done and difficulties to overcome.
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