Our story

Launched in April 2022, Bilan is Somalia's first and only all-women newsroom — fully editorially independent, reporting from Mogadishu, one of the world's most dangerous places to be a journalist and one of its most conservative societies. For the first time in Somalia, women are in charge of the story.

Our mission

To give women a safe space to work and the power to choose what they report and how. Bilan shines a light on stories long ignored — from domestic violence and pay inequality to HIV, albinism and menstrual health — holding leaders to account and making sure women's voices are heard across Somalia.

Our vision

A Somalia where women and men work together as equals in journalism — where Somali women reporters compete at the highest levels, overturn deeply held stereotypes, and build a media that reflects the whole of society. Local influence, global reach.

Our journey

  • 2022

    Bilan is born

    Six women journalists launch Somalia's first all-women media team in Mogadishu, hosted by Dalsan Media Group and supported by UNDP — with full editorial independence from day one.

  • 2023

    Breaking taboos, reaching millions

    Bilan's reporting on HIV, albinism, autism and menstrual hygiene spurs public debate and calls for policy change — seen by more than three million people online and republished by The Guardian, the BBC and El País.

  • 2024

    Global recognition

    Bilan becomes the first Somali media team ever to win the One World Media Press Freedom Award, and is nominated for the Index on Censorship and Nuremberg Human Rights awards.

  • 2025

    Expanding beyond Mogadishu

    Bilan expands to support women journalists across the Federal Member States, appoints a new Editor-in-Chief, and grows its internship programme for the next generation of Somali women reporters.

Meet the team

Bilan in numbers

  • 0 Women journalists
  • 0 Founded in Mogadishu
  • 0 Online views
  • 0 On Dalsan TV & Radio

  • Anna Holligan's tweet

    "Powerful reporting on the floods in Somalia by the Bilan team — putting women at the centre of the climate story."

    Anna HolliganBBC News Correspondent
  • Lyse Doucet's tweet

    "An inspiring team — and a great example of how women's voices are essential to telling the full story of any country."

    Lyse DoucetBBC Chief International Correspondent
  • Rageh Omaar

    "Bilan is a beacon of hope for women journalists in Somalia and beyond."

    Rageh OmaarITV News International Affairs Editor
  • Robin White, MBE

    “Bilan’s journalists are formidable, no-nonsense women. Bright, lively and eager to learn.”

    Robin White, MBEFormer editor, BBC Network Africa & Focus on Africa
  • Mishal Husain's tweet

    "So important — women reporting on women's lives, and on the country as a whole. Wishing them every success."

    Mishal HusainBBC, The Today Programme
  • Lindsey Hilsum

    "Brilliant journalism from Bilan — stories no one else is telling."

    Lindsey HilsumChannel 4 News International Editor