Transforming Somali Media: The Inspiring Leadership of Anfac Aadan Abdi, Director General of RTN TV
“Empowering Voices, Inspiring Generations.”
In the evolving narrative of Somalia’s development, the role of women continues to gain overdue recognition, and among those leading this transformation is Anfac Aadan Abdi, the Director General of RTN TV. Her rise from a young journalist to a prominent media executive represents not only her individual determination but also the collective progress of Somali women across generations. Beginning her journalism career in 2018 with Goobjoog Media Group, widely regarded as the training ground for many of Somalia’s finest journalists, Anfac quickly distinguished herself through her integrity, dedication, and strong sense of purpose. After gaining regional exposure with M24 TV, she joined RTN TV in 2022 and has since risen to the highest leadership position in the organization, becoming its Director General. In this role, she has overseen significant advancements in media ethics, gender inclusion, and youth engagement in public discourse.
Anfac’s impact extends beyond the newsroom. In 2021, she joined the Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS), where she was appointed as gender secretary. Her leadership at SJS included designing and delivering gender-sensitive training programs for young and aspiring journalists, aiming to make newsrooms more inclusive and professionally responsible. She has mentored many young women, inspiring them to see journalism not just as a job but as a platform for justice, equality, and national dialogue. As a media trainer and gender advocate, she has continued to challenge the traditional boundaries that often restrict women’s participation in the public sphere.
Through her podcast initiative “Baraarug”—a Somali word meaning “awakening”—Anfac has expanded her advocacy beyond journalism. The Baraarug program is a youth- and women-centered media platform that amplifies voices from marginalized communities and champions issues such as access to education, gender equity, digital skills, civic engagement, and employment. One of its flagship campaigns, “Olole Kor Uqaada Dhalinyarada” (Campaign to Elevate Youth), has become a significant voice for youth inclusion in national development. At a time when Somalia’s youth make up over 70% of the population, Anfac’s work in this area is especially impactful, aligning with both national priorities and community needs.
Her journey is remarkable not just for her professional accomplishments but for the resilience she has shown in balancing the roles of mother, journalist, leader, and activist. In a conflict-affected media environment where journalists often face political threats, resource limitations, and security risks, Anfac has led with integrity and courage. Her role in RTN TV has been instrumental in defending media freedom, maintaining journalistic independence, and building safer, more ethical spaces for reporters—especially women—to operate in. Leadership, for her, is not about power but about protecting truth, elevating others, and using media as a tool for positive change. As she once stated, “It is rare to see a girl from Dhaxmo village rise this far, but I did, and I want others to believe they can too.” Her words reflect not just her personal journey but the aspirations of thousands of Somali girls who now see her as a symbol of what is possible.
Under the visionary leadership of Anfac Aadan Abdi, RTN TV has become a beacon of hope for gender equality and youth empowerment in Somalia’s media landscape. The station actively promotes female participation and provides a vital platform for young voices, fostering inclusive dialogue and inspiring a new generation of leaders. RTN TV’s commitment to these values not only strengthens Somalia’s media sector but also contributes significantly to social progress and national development.
The story of Somali women’s leadership, however, did not begin with Anfac. It is rooted in the history of the nation itself. In 1948, Hawo Tako became a national martyr during the anti-colonial resistance against Italian forces. She represents the early legacy of Somali women as freedom fighters—courageous, politically active, and vital to national movements. Over the decades, Somali women have taken on roles as educators, health workers, business leaders, conflict mediators, and cultural custodians. Even during Somalia’s most difficult years, women maintained the fabric of society, often without recognition. That legacy continues with greater momentum today. In 2025, the Ministry of Education confirmed that girls now form the majority of both primary and secondary school graduates in multiple regions — a groundbreaking shift reflecting changing societal values and increased trust in girls’ education. Somali women are now judges, ministers, entrepreneurs, engineers, peacebuilders, and thought leaders.
In this evolving landscape, Anfac Aadan Abdi is one of the most visible and influential figures, representing a generation of women who have moved from the margins to the mainstream of national development. From Hawo Tako’s revolutionary activism to Anfac’s media leadership, the trajectory is clear: Somali women are no longer just supporters of progress—they are leading it. In every discussion about the future of Somalia, the name and work of Anfac Aadan Abdi must be included as a representative of women’s evolving, essential role in shaping the nation.
Anfac Aadan Abdi embodies the progress of Somali women and offers a clear example of the potential that lies in empowering women in all sectors. Her leadership at RTN TV and her work with SJS and Baraarug reflect a clear commitment to building an inclusive, just, and informed Somali society. In every future discourse on gender, youth empowerment, and media development in Somalia, Anfac must be included. Her role is not symbolic—it is foundational to the vision of a better Somalia. Her presence at the highest level of media leadership proves that women are not waiting for space—they are creating it.
As researchers at BRCSOM.com, we believe it is essential to document and highlight such impactful contributions. This publication is part of our ongoing gender and social development series aimed at encouraging participation in gender balance initiatives, fully aligned with Somali culture and the Federal Government’s regulations. We recognize the achievements of Somali girls and women, both within the country and across the globe, and we stand committed to advancing their stories and success.
In every era—yesterday, today, and tomorrow—the future of Somalia includes the contributions of women like Anfac Aadan Abdi. Her legacy is already in motion, and it continues to inspire a generation of leaders who are rewriting what it means to be a Somali woman.
Written by: BRCSOM.com Independent Researcher & Media Analyst – Somalia
References
Ministry of Education, Culture, and Higher Education. (2024). Annual education statistical report. Mogadishu, Somalia.
Somali Journalists Syndicate. (2023–2024). Gender and press freedom in Somalia. Mogadishu, Somalia.
Horn Observer. (2021). Interview with Anfac Aadan Abdi on women in media leadership.
Goobjoog Media Group Archives. (2018–2021). Profiles of Somali journalists.
BRCSOM. (2025). Independent research and consulting on media analysis on gender and social development in Somalia. Retrieved from http://www.brcsom.com
