Somalia is preparing to launch its first-ever current affairs TV show led by women. The pioneering show‚ created by Bilan‚ the country’s only all-female media team‚ represents a dramatic shift in a male-dominated media sector. Pushing boundaries on Somali airwaves Bilan‚ founded in 2022 with United Nations Development Programme backing‚ has emerged as a beacon of change in a traditionally male-dominated media sector. Bilan‚ led by Nasrin Mohamed Ibrahim‚ one of the country’s few female senior news producers‚ has played a critical role in giving a platform for women to voice their stories authentically. The new show’s monthly concept‚ reminiscent of the UK’s BBC Question Time‚ will take the discussions to various sites across the country‚ enabling audience members to actively participate in conversations on important and often sensitive topics. It will make its debut on March 8‚ 2024‚ which is International Women’s Day. Changing the paradigm: a female-driven panel Bilan’s show stands out for its commitment to having a panel of at least 50 percent women. This move seeks to disrupt prevailing norms and promote a more open and representative debate about crucial issues confronting Somali society. Addressing taboos: periods and politics The show’s agenda includes a variety of difficult themes‚ such as the shortage of female teachers and the challenges that women confront when joining politics. Bilan’s show strives to spark discussions that are frequently ignored in mainstream media by confronting such issues head-on. A successful trial in December‚ in which the panel reviewed period teaching in schools‚ demonstrated the devastating effect of a lack of information on women’s health. The show’s host‚ Naima Said Salah‚ recalled a moving event in which a young woman in the audience expressed confusion and fear during her first menstrual period owing to a lack of information. Proudly debunking myths: navigating period education Salah was proud of putting the topic of periods into public conversation‚ saying‚ “People think this is taboo‚ but it is a fact; it exists‚ and we cannot ignore it.” The conversation drew light on the issues that girls experience‚ emphasizing the importance of community support and education at this critical time. Bilan‚ which has won EU funding for the next three years‚ plans to expand into federal states by 2024. The strategy includes hiring 20 new journalists and providing funds for investigative reports to an additional 10. This extension seeks to increase the effect of women-led journalism‚ offering a broader viewpoint on subjects that are frequently overlooked in the male-dominated media industry. In a media industry riddled with discrimination and harassment‚ Bilan exemplifies the transforming impact of creating a safe environment for women to express their experiences. As Nasrin Mohamed Ibrahim asserted‚ “Women will speak to us because we too are women. They will allow us into their homes‚ their prayer rooms‚ and their private spaces.”The post Somalia’s first-ever women-led current affairs TV program shakes things up for the better first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

Here at The Optimist Daily‚ solutions news is our specialty. However‚ life can sometimes get in the way and we may find ourselves‚ no matter how optimistic we are‚ in a situation where we have to deliver bad news. This is an unpleasant and difficult undertaking that demands careful consideration of not only what you say‚ but also how you say it. We frequently use sentences that we believe will bring consolation‚ but in actuality‚ they may exacerbate the situation. Let’s look at the common phrases to avoid and explore some useful substitutes. “It could be worse.” Although intended to provide perspective‚ this phrase may come out as contemptuous. As licensed psychologist Ray W. Christner describes it‚ it “[dismisses] the experience and invalidates the person’s feelings.” Instead‚ show empathy by acknowledging their emotions. “Everything happens for a reason.” Giving the impression that negative news has a rationale could be disturbing. Aura De Los Santos‚ a professional psychologist‚ recommends being direct and clear about the problem. Avoid making it seem as if their misfortune serves a bigger purpose. “You’ll be over this in no time.” Even though this phrase is often well-intentioned‚ in actuality it shows a lack of empathy to minimize the situation’s importance and impact. De Los Santos recommends employing a straightforward and clear communication style. Allow the receiver to assimilate the information without decreasing its effect. “I know exactly how you feel.” Recognize the uniqueness of each individual’s experience. Instead of professing to understand‚ show your support by stating‚ “I’m sure that’s difficult‚ and I’m here for you in any way you need.” “At least…” This minimizing sentence is neither useful nor considerate. Avoid using it‚ even if you mean well‚ because it may offend rather than comfort. “You should be thankful that…” Using judgmental language only makes a bad situation worse. Hannah Yang‚ a licensed psychologist and founder of Balanced Awakening‚ advises not imposing your judgment and instead encouraging the receiver to process the bad news on their own terms. Tried and true techniques for delivering bad news 1. Pause:  Rushing through a conversation can be harmful. “It’s OK to pause and have a moment of silence to intentionally choose the words you want to use‚” Christner remarks. 2. Use compassionate language: Select terms that communicate empathy and openness. Hannah Yang suggests language that helps the receiver navigate their emotions with support. 3. Stick to the facts: Communicate the facts honestly and without downplaying the situation. Yang proposes waiting for the receiver’s answer before providing more information. Approaching these challenging conversations with care and avoiding clichéd language can make a major difference. Remember that the purpose is not only to give news but also to offer true support during difficult times.The post Don’t shoot the messenger! What not to say when delivering bad news first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

Hot damn! These police officers don't play

Familiarity clearly serves to benefit Morris

'quite an influence'

'Misinformation tiplines'

'We are listening'

'United Front goes after everybody‚' Krishnamoorthi said

'This is monumental victory for transparency in elections'

Increasing the Child Tax Credit to support young families is a common-sense‚ bipartisan‚ and popular policy