Bilan Media ,Somalia's First and only All-Women News Team Wins 2024 One World Media Press Freedom Award

Tags: Awards

Bilan Media, Somalia's pioneering all-women news team, received the prestigious 2024 One World Media Press Freedom Award.

An Overview of the News

• This marks the first time a Somali media organization has been honored with this accolade.

• The award acknowledges Bilan's fearless journalism over the past two years, which has tackled sensitive topics and empowered female journalists in Somalia.

About Bilan Media

• Established in 2021 by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Bilan Media has been supported by the European Union (EU) through UNDP funding since 2024.

• It operates under the auspices of the Dalsan Media Group from its headquarters in Mogadishu, Somalia.

• The team, comprising solely women, operates with complete editorial independence.

• Journalistic Impact: Bilan Media has covered a wide array of critical issues, including the plight of albino communities and the abuse of female orphans, shedding light on otherwise marginalized topics.

One World Media Press Freedom Award

• The award, formerly known as the Special Award, honors independent media organizations from the global south that utilize media to address social, cultural, political, and economic challenges.

• It celebrates exceptional reporting that informs the public, amplifies local voices, facilitates critical information dissemination, and holds authority figures accountable.

Climate and Labour Film Grant

• Grant Launch: At the ceremony, Vivienne Francis, Director of One World Media, announced a new grant initiative.

• Purpose: The grant, valued at up to £20,000, aims to fund a documentary produced by a filmmaker from the global south.

• Theme: The documentary will focus on the impacts of climate change on people's lives and labor.

• Partnership: This initiative is a collaboration between One World Media, the Financial Times (FT), and the Pulitzer Center.

• Project Requirements: The film should be 25 minutes or less and must be completed by June 2025.