First Annual WIMISOM Awards Ceremony Held in Garowe

WIMISOM held in Garowe the first WIMISOM Awards which is an annual Awards program that aims to recognize and reward journalists and everyone who has contributed to the socio-economic aspects of society, human rights, social issues, innovation, and development.The award, which we have held for the first time this year, is intended to reward those in the field of media who have shown outstanding performance in 2022, especially stories related to social issues in the Puntland region.
This year’s WIMISOM Awards were presented to three female journalists who were awarded in three categories: Visual reporting, audit reporting; and photography, whose production has had a positive impact or created change at a social level. The three winners of the WIMISOM Awards 2022 were:
• Hoodo Mohamed Jama – won the Visual Reporting category
• Nimco Abdirahman Mohamed – won the audio reporting category
• Bushro Abdiwali Garase – won the photography category.

Hoodo Mohamed on the left, Samiira in the middle (representing Bushro Abdiweli) & Nimco Abdirahman on the right

The event was attended by government officials, civil society organizations, scholars, the press, women’s organizations, and youth.

Nasro Abdirisak

WIMISOM Executive Director Nasro Abdirisak in her speech highlighted the importance of this program and the purpose behind it which is to create a culture of excellence in the media sector. She stated that the awards will not be limited to journalists in the coming years. She explained that the winners were selected by a panel of experts with extensive experience in the field of journalism.

Government officials, civil society, and media experts in their remarks encouraged the winners and appreciated the efforts of WIMISOM in improving the media environment in Somalia.

The WIMISOM Awards 2022 ended in a joy and celebration shared by all the participants of the event.