For the first time in Somalia, men were trained on sexual harassment and gender equality.
In early December, Vikes organised a training session in Somalia for media managers and editors on sexual harassment. This is reportedly the first time that such training has been organised for men only. Eight directors, editors-in-chief and media owners attended the training.
“Usually, gender equality and harassment is discussed in women’s workshops, or there are both men and women in the trainings,” says Wali Hashi, an expert at Vikes. “That’s important too, but we felt that training for men can make a big difference, because men are the ones who are actually disruptive, and male leaders can also interfere with the atmosphere in the newsroom.”
The aim of the workshop training was to provide managers with sufficient skills to address and prevent violence against women in the workplace and to encourage men to openly discuss and understand the challenges women face in the workplace.
Participants learned about the seriousness of the problem and how male journalists and media leaders can contribute to tackling it. The new approach aims to encourage men to talk openly about sexual harassment and also to acknowledge the high levels of violence and harassment experienced by women.
“This problem is widespread and growing,” says Hashi. “Our aim is to train men to deal with this problem effectively. We selected employers and open-minded people who are willing to express different views on the problems women face.”
Open atmosphere
During the training, the participants discussed women’s fewer employment opportunities and the prevalence of abuse. Men openly acknowledged that women do not enjoy the same opportunities as men in media houses. In addition, some women are subjected to insults to their honour and dignity.
In Somalia, which is struggling with the effects of conflict, terrorism and climate change, there are not strong enough laws to protect human rights, especially those of women, girls and children.
There is also a significant imbalance in employment opportunities. Even when women do get jobs, many are victims of sexual violence and abuse is often not addressed.
Vikes wants to encourage men to play an active role in finding solutions. The aim is to promote dialogue and empower men to participate effectively in resolving these issues.
Vikes received expert help from Miessakit ry to design the training.
