Somali women have been praised for their role in Somalia’s peace, security and governance.
As the world was marking the 20th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, James Swam, UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia, said the women of Somalia have contributed immensely to the country’s progress and development.
“We call on federal and state authorities, political leaders, civil society groups, and international partners to uphold the centrality of Somali women in peace, security and governance,” Swan said.
He said the current election season presents an opportunity to bolster women’s role in Somalia’s peace and political processes.
“We urge Somalia’s leaders not only to ensure the 30 percent quota for women in the forthcoming parliamentary elections but also to fulfill the commitment to 30 percent representation of women in electoral management bodies,” Swan added.
Hanifa Mohamed Ibrahim, minister of women and human rights development, said the government should now create new pathways for Somali women from all generations to join forces for the future and lauded the role women have played in Somali politics and peacemaking.
“From Asha Hagi Elmi becoming the first Somali woman to sign a peace agreement in 2004 to the campaign for women’s representation in the 2012 and 2016 parliamentary processes, the gains made so far provide a foundation for further progress,” Ibrahim said.
