Somali Female Journalists Launch ‘Weheliye’ App to Combat Online Harassment Against Women

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somali female journalists have taken a major step toward protecting women from online harassment with the launch of the Weheliye App-Digital Safety in Mogadishu on Friday.

The app aims to provide Somali women with tools to safeguard themselves against cyber threats and digital abuse.

The event brought together 50 women professionals, including journalists and community advocates, alongside officials from the Ministry of Information, the National Media Council, and the Somali Women Journalists Rights Association (SOWJRA).

Bushra Ali Nadiir, a journalist and SOWJRA member, underscored the importance of the Weheliye App, describing it as a critical tool for protecting women in online spaces.

On her part, Hinda Jama, head of the National Media Council, noted that nearly 80% of online attacks in Somalia target women, making this initiative a groundbreaking step in digital safety.

She commended SOWJRA for being the first organization to establish a digital safety platform tailored specifically for Somali women.

Abdishakuur Ali Ahmed, Director of Strategy and Training at the Ministry of Information, lauded SOWJRA and Impact Amplifier for equipping women with the tools to navigate digital security challenges.

SOWJRA’s Executive Director, Leila Aded, celebrated the launch as a significant milestone, emphasizing the app’s role in empowering Somali women against online abuse.

The Weheliye App has been widely welcomed by Somali journalists and community members as a crucial step toward strengthening digital safety for women across the country.