14th May 2012 Nairobi, Kenya
Celebrating excellence in Somali journalism
A week ago I posted a blog about world press day and the plight of journalism in Somalia – one of the dangerous countries in the world to be a journalist.
I want to pick up this theme – but also highlight one of the many and vital successes. This is of course, Jamal Osman, recently named journalist of the year at the One World media awards in London this week.
The awards recognise outstanding journalism on the developing world. Jamal was awarded the title for his portfolio of exceptional work on Somalia, including coverage of Somali athletes training for the London Olympics later this summer – a truly inspiring story of athletes, like Abdinasir Ibrahim, a 5,000 metre runner who competed at Beijing and hopes to compete in London, striving to achieve great things for themselves and their country.
Jamal’s work has also covered more distressing issues – including last year’s drought and the appalling conditions facing many refugees. His bravery brought the unfolding tragedy in southern Somalia to an audience of millions.
So as we honour those journalists killed in the line of duty in Somalia and strive for greater freedom of expression and protection of journalists in Somalia, it’s only right that we salute the outstanding work of Jamal Osman – One World Journalist of the Year.
Dear Matt, 1st. of all I do admit that my intention of writing a comment to yr. report was/is, to split it up in 2 parts.(Sorry!).
But I also do hope that you are able to understand why:I ‘ve already metioned by full name 2 NGOś.After I was sure that their facts/ actions are true or honest.Now I have also received an email from TDF,Paris, (:”Terre des Femmes”). They are also trying to do best in Somalia in re. of a completely (press)free,”kind” of a magazine -if only for Somali women.Big problem is the best way of how to distribute this…and the depressing fact that still much too much women are unable to read at all.On the other side is TDF ‘s biggest problem at all to find a team of female journalists who are willing to take the risk to flying to “Mogga”and start to write/making photos.That’s why I think that Somalia’s biggest sorrows,education, balance, developement,a help to help yourself and (press)freedom have to be solved a.s.a.p. BW, Ingo-Steven,Stuttgart/Cardiff
Hello Steven,
The collapse of the Somali central government caused the anarchy we see in Somalia today. The education sector just like other government structures are either defunct or ineffective but progress has been made by the government and its allies in securing the capital and surrounding areas.
Schools and some universities are operational but literacy levels however low still favor the male population at 36% and 14% estimate for the females. Still, there are female Somali journalists (like me) who work for various electronic and print media. I am based in Nairobi , Kenya .You can reach me on zamtatu@gmail.com
Regards,
Zamzam Abdi Tatu
PS Keep blogging Your excellency Matt Baugh, you are amazing.Will be posting the third edition of the Horn Business Journal at your Upper hill office.
Dear Matt, thanks for yr. article. To be honest, I didn’t know that
Somalia is such a dangerous area for reporters.So I think that it ‘s very important that esp.journalists like Jamal Osman are honoured and therefore also rembered very well across the world.Maybe also as a reminder for all those nameless journalists who were killed every week in many countries. And this-sadly enough-not only in Somalia.So to me are
NGO ‘s like “One World Media” or “Journalists sans frontieres”
like lights who are turning even the darkest states in re. of “Press Freedom” into a bright day.BW, Ingo-Steven, Stuttgart