Mohammed A. Gaas
Deputy Country Director, Somalia
Blog posts in total 7
Posts
Stop the silent suffering of Somali girls
Over 90% of girls and women in Somalia have been subject to female genital mutilation (FGM). Discussions over FGM remain a taboo in many places in Somalia and the devastating health ramifications – including pain, bleeding, permanent disability, trauma and even death - remain prevalent.
When life imitates art: a love story on and off radio
BBC Media Action’s radio dramas in Somalia are deeply rooted in local life and culture, with convincing storylines that resonate. Read about how real-life began to imitate art with our actors Najah and Moukhtaar, who played a married couple in our Talo iyo Tacab (Trial and Triumph) drama, part o...
How Somali women are supporting the country’s economy – and its future
After years of conflict, which left Somalia flagging without a functional central government, Somali women are taking charge of the country’s destiny by supporting the lives of millions of people.
Conflict, flooding and now coping with the COVID-19 pandemic in Somalia
Recent flooding has increased the number of internally displaced people in urban areas, creating the perfect environment for infectious disease such as acute watery diarrhoea and measles – in addition to the pandemic. Our Deputy Country Director describes how we are adapting our health communica...
“Convince your people” an eye opening debate show in Somalia
The only TV debate show of its kind in the country, Qanci Dadkaaga translates as “Convince Your People” and it holds true to its name. Find out how the programme helps connect ordinary people with their leaders and gives them a voice on the issues that affect their lives.
Somalia: one of the toughest places to give birth in the world
A tribute to Amran Mahad, lead actress in Maalmo Dhaama Maanta (A Better Life than Today), an interactive drama helping young people to talk about both the opportunities and the obstacles that they face in Somalia. She died 3 November 2016 following complications during childbirth.
A brush with Somalia’s people smugglers
BBC Media Action’s radio show illustrates the realities of illegal migration through drama. Exploitation by people-smugglers in Somalia is an ever-present threat, as Mohammed A. Gaas discovered.
