Supporting Media and Civil Society in Somalia (SMCSS)
The Supporting Media and Civil Society in Somalia (SMCSS) program provides support to the media to improve its professionalism, develop a democratic legal framework for the media, and contribute to the sustainability of media outlets operating in a difficult environment.
The civil society component of the project supports civil society in its efforts to have its voice and issues heard by government authorities developing laws and policies to address Somalia’s development.
SMCSS is supported by a grant to IREX from the US Department of State's Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor.
This project is now completed.
Goals
Media
• Raise business development capacity of independent media outlet owners and managers
• Enhance media managers’ ability to increase the professionalism of editorial staff
• Engage stakeholders in informed advocacy for independent and professional media
• Support Somali partners in designing responses promoting media independence
Civil Society
• Improve government and civil society communication skills
• Support a common platform for improving communication channels between civil society and government authorities
Project Activities
• Small grants to promote media professionalism
• Capacity-building workshops for media and civil society
• Training of trainers in media management and journalism
• Consulting and legal analysis on media law
• Support for media and civil society advocacy organizations
• Workshops on civil society and government relations
