Garowe, Puntland – From July 27 to 29, 2024, the Media Association of Puntland (MAP), in partnership with Free Press Unlimited under the Danwadaag consortium, hosted a groundbreaking three-day forum that trained participants on in disaster risk management (DRM), and discussed challenges faced by women journalists.
The forum participated by female journalists drawn from Gardho and Garowe towns provided a vital space for participants to share experiences and discuss barriers in DRM reporting. Key challenges identified included budget constraints, difficulties accessing remote areas, inadequate equipment, cultural and religious restrictions, insecurity, and low confidence levels. Addressing these institutional issues requires strategic, long-term solutions.
”As we gather here today, we acknowledge the vital role women journalists play in bringing DRM stories to light. This forum is not merely about recognizing challenges; it’s about finding solutions and empowering these courageous journalists to continue their essential work. Their voices are crucial in shaping a resilient future for our communities”.
During the forum, participants received extensive training on Disaster Risk Management (DRM) concepts, vulnerabilities, lobbying, and advocacy. This comprehensive training significantly enhanced their knowledge and skills, equipping them to overcome obstacles in their reporting and effectively advocate for stronger institutional support and resources. The training sessions also bolstered their confidence, enabling them to conduct comprehensive and in-depth reporting on DRM issues.
A key outcome of the forum is the commitment to ongoing dialogue forums to further explore identified challenges, engage supportive stakeholders, and promote awareness programs. The objective is to continuously develop the journalists’ DRM reporting skills and establish a supportive network for sustained advocacy and action. These ongoing dialogues will serve as a platform for sharing insights, strategies, and best practices, ensuring that journalists remain well-informed and proactive in their coverage of DRM topics.
MAP and the forum participants are dedicated to addressing these challenges head-on. They have pledged to create actionable plans to support women journalists in Puntland, ensuring they are equipped and empowered to report effectively on disaster risk management. This commitment includes providing targeted training, resources, and mentorship opportunities to help women journalists overcome specific barriers they may face in the field.
This collective effort aims to build a more informed and resilient society capable of responding to and mitigating disaster impacts. By empowering journalists with the knowledge and tools they need, the forum seeks to foster a culture of proactive disaster risk management and robust public awareness. The ultimate goal is to ensure that communities are better prepared to handle disasters and can recover more swiftly and effectively when they occur.
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