Xaqdhowr: Radio Drama Sparks Debate on Somali Security and Justice

“Hearing the stories in the radio drama made me recall experiences and situations we all know in Somalia,” reflected Aamiina*, member of a minority community in South West State. “As a woman, I know how hard it is to be heard when it comes to security and justice issues. That is what has sparked debate here, and it makes you think much more about your own challenges.”

The radio drama Xaqdhowr (which means “justice” in the Somali language) is developed and produced as an activity of the Nabadaynta Soomaaliya project, led by the International Organization for Migration. Nabadaynta Soomaaliya is an IOM-managed security and justice programme operating in four districts across the Jubaland and South West States of Somalia.

The first season of  Xaqdhowr gained over 1.5 million listeners. Each of the 10 episodes was designed to stimulate critical reflection and dialogue. The storylines depicted security and justice challenges through the eyes of a range of characters, including formal and informal actors, that Somali listeners can recognise and — ideally — relate to.

In support of the activity’s objectives, the Nabadaynta programme has established Listening, Discussion, and Action Groups (LDAGs) within participating communities to reflect on the radio drama. There are 14 LDAGs, seven each in Baidoa and Kismayo, with a combined total of 210 members. The LDAG members represent diverse groups of Somalis, comprising government, security and justice actors, men, women, and youth, including internally displaced persons and people with disabilities.

During the LDAGs, participants have identified some simple but important steps they can take to improve security and resilience in their communities. For example, following a discussion about Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms and the work of the ADR centres, which assist people in dealing with disputes by bridging the formal and informal justice systems, the need to spread awareness was emphasised as an action to take. Many of the younger LDAG participants, especially those from rural areas, highlighted they had been entirely unaware of the ADR centres. These participants therefore agreed to put this new knowledge into action, and are now actively sharing information within their communities, helping to increase access of communities to fairer justice solutions. 

“The LDAGs form a key part of the Nabadaynta approach to encourage self-reflection on existing norms, attitudes, and behaviours, which is achieved through facilitated dialogue and reflection in a safe space. These discussions and thought processes are central to creating an enabling environment for people to then take action,” explained Blanche Picarello, Senior Programme Coordinator for Nabadaynta Soomaaliya.

Throughout September, October, and November 2024, a series of LDAG sessions is being convened to discuss and reflect on the challenges covered in season one of  Xaqdhowr. The drama itself was scripted based on the security and justice challenges identified locally by stakeholders in Baidoa and Kismayo, including topics such as sexual and gender-based violence, access to justice, and police accountability.

“I am excited for Xaqdhowr season two,” which has been storyboarded using the same characters and will build upon the locally identified security and justice challenges. “We need to know our rights so we can stand up for ourselves and protect our families,” Aamiina concluded.

*Pseudonym used to protect participant’s identity.

The Nabadaynta Soomaaliya Programme is jointly funded by the United Kingdom's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the European Union. 

For more information, follow Nabadaynta on 𝕏: www.x.com/nabadaynta or contact James Michael WILSON, email: jwilson@iom.int.