Somalia: Information ministry withdraws state TV job advert after social media outrage

MOGADISHU, Somalia - An advertisement seemed discrimination against women in the media and violating gender balance for Somali state television SNTV faced backlash on social media, forcing information ministry to immediately withdraw it for the public good.

The state TV, in the advert which wasn't stamped, cited that the applicants should be of the female gender, not more than 25 years and ought to have been "extremely" attractive for them to be assured of securing the job.

At first, the state broadcaster published the advert on the official Facebook page but it would be pulled down hours later after facing an onslaught from hundreds of Somalis who termed it "inappropriate" and "unacceptable".

For the two slots being sourced for, the recruiters said, successful applicants, ought to have had a fine height, weight and attractiveness, requirements which attracted retribution from the social media community.

“The candidate must be of a fine height and weight and attractiveness for TV presentation. She must also have a beautiful voice and ‘fine body,” read the advert which was pulled down.

Women have historically faced discrimination in Somalia, a patriarchal community that often secludes them from important decision making. It's a common practice within Islamic countries.

Although a number of people welcomed the gender inclusiveness, they appeared to castigate discriminatory clauses in the advert, perhaps the move which informed officials to revoke the advertisement.

"But this one is so unprofessional. What does Wargelin mean?
A Director who's hiring a new employee," should be quite mindful," said Abdisalam Musa, a social media commentator.

"It is good to improve gender equality we appreciate for that one but the criteria they mention above is something never seen broadcast advertisements and is not professional," added Mohamed Ali.

Farah Salad Dharaar, the SNTV, apologized on the official Facebook page of the media house, adding that "the letter was published by one of our secretaries without a stamp and approval of the director.”

In the second advert, the draconian clauses were expunged, leaving the slots open for professionals. Among others, applicants must be between 20-30 years and ought to have a good command for both written and spoken Somali, it said.

Information and Culture minister Mohamed Abdi Hayir Mereeye was also quick to offer another apology, for the first advert which grossly violated human resource practices globally for competitive jobs.

“We have rectified the previous advertisement about the jobs at SNTV. If you meet these requirements, you can contact me directly through my number,” he said in his statement, indicating his official contact for clarity.

Somalia is struggling to shun ghosts of civil war and Al-Shabaab menace, which have dominated the nation for over three decades. Most institutions are at infantry stages, and the country relies on neighbors on a number of professional expertise in various fields.

But the determination and urge to build a functional state is quite extreme, given the country's preparedness in holding first universal suffrage polls later this year. The international community has been helping Somalia adequately prepare for the challenge.

GAROWE ONLINE