Mogadishu, SONNA – The Weheliye App-Digital Safety, a new initiative aimed at protecting Somali women from online harassment and cyber threats, was officially launched today in Mogadishu. The event gathered 50 women professionals, including journalists and community members, 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, highlighted the app’s significance in safeguarding women on social media, calling it a crucial tool against digital harassment. Hinda Jama, head of the National Media Council, emphasized that SOWJRA is the first organization to establish a digital safety initiative tailored to Somali women, noting that nearly 80% of daily online attacks in Somalia target women.
Abdishakuur Ali Ahmed, Director of Strategy and Training at the Ministry of Information, praised SOWJRA and Amplifier for equipping Somali women with essential tools to navigate the security challenges of digital spaces.
SOWJRA’s Executive Director, Leila Aded, described the launch of Weheliye App as a significant milestone, expressing gratitude to Impact Amplifier for supporting its development. The initiative has been widely welcomed by the community and Somali women journalists as a step forward in strengthening digital safety.