New show will follow Question Time format answering audience questions on taboo subjects from periods to women in politics

Somalia’s only all-female media team, Bilan, is launching the country’s first TV current affairs show to be hosted by a woman.

The debate show, which plans to address some taboo subjects, will also be the first programme on Somali television to have a panel of at least 50% women, and the first to broach contentious topics, such as a critical shortage of female teachers and the challenges faced by women trying to get into politics, as well as environmental issues.

Launching on International Women’s Day, 8 March, the monthly programme will be similar in format to the UK’s BBC Question Time, touring venues around the country and inviting audience members to take part. It follows a successful pilot in December when the panel debated period education in schools.