# Vignette 8: Somalia's digital storytellers
Before Somalia's written language was formalized in 1970, generations of Somalis shared their history, culture and wisdom through storytelling and poetry, earning them the name "nation of poets." When UNDP's Accelerator Lab in Somalia noticed that international media portrayed only a single narrative of conflict and drought, overlooking this rich cultural heritage and community resilience, they turned to this deep poetic tradition to change this dominant narrative – but with a digital twist.
Recognizing the power of Somalia's oral tradition and the potential of digital storytelling to connect with communities, the team collaborated with international partners to empower young Somali storytellers.[\[1\]](#endnote-1) Digital Storytellers, an Australia-based social enterprise, and facilitators from Australia's Queensland University provided intensive training and mentorship to thirteen young Somali artists, poets, and community activists. This program equipped them with skills in videography, photography (Figure 23), and impact storytelling, empowering them to share their narratives and connect with their communities in new ways.
Their first stories challenged social norms, featuring women like Fortune, a 24-year-old footballer. "At first, the storytellers themselves were really scared about it," recalls Rahmo Hassan, Head of Solutions Mapping at UNDP Somalia's Accelerator Lab, who led the initiative. "I remember Zara, who was the head of storytellers, switched off her phone completely, went offline because they didn't know the public reaction from this story." But the response was overwhelmingly positive, encouraging the team to tackle even more significant issues.
The initiative expanded to address pressing social challenges, particularly women's political participation. When Somalia introduced a 30% quota for women in politics, the storytellers created compelling narratives to build public support. The stories began shifting deep-rooted perceptions – when they featured a 40-year-old woman parliamentarian discussing how she represented her clan and community, traditional elders who had opposed women in politics began to reconsider their stance.
"Through digital storytelling in the Somali context, we were able to preserve the culture," explains Rhamo. While Somali ancestors shared stories by word of mouth, today's generation uses smartphones and digital media to keep these same narratives alive. This modern approach helps preserve their oral traditions and ensures their cultural stories continue to be passed down through generations.
The initiative's outcomes sparked a broader movement in Somalia, with UN agencies and other organizations adopting storytelling as a communication approach. Most importantly, it helped shift international narratives about Somalia, showcasing the country's beauty, resilience, and progress rather than just conflict and challenges.
{% hint style="info" %}
#### **Key takeaways:**
* **Start from cultural roots:** Go back to cultural foundations and create from there – culture isn't just context, it can serve as a source of innovation.
* **Start small but think big:** Begin with simple stories that resonate locally before tackling complex social issues (like women's political participation).
* **Respect cultural norms:** Work with established traditions and practices – like using storytelling to engage elders in discussions about change.
* **Promote ownership:** Step back when it's time and focus on creating the conditions and providing space for communities to take ownership.
{% endhint %}
***
## Notes
1. See UNDP Accelerator Lab Somalia (2020a; 2020b) [↑](#endnote-ref-1)
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