Somalia marks International Women's Day

Shipra Bose (left), the Gender Advisor from UNSOM, moderates a panel discussion during celebrations to mark International Women's Day in Mogadishu, Somalia

8 Mar 2016

Somalia marks International Women's Day

Somalia joined the rest of the world to mark International Women’s Day. The day was commemorated across the country, with Mogadishu, Baidoa, Kismayo and Puntland registering a huge turnout.

In his address to a well-attended event in Mogadishu, jointly organized by the European Union and the United Nations, H.E Michele Cervone d’Urso, the European Union (EU) Ambassador to Somalia, called for reinforcement of partnerships that will enhance the lives of women in Somalia. “It is our collective responsibility above all - women, men, and partners - to be involved as partners. If we work together, then we can make a very big difference,” stated Ambassador d’Urso.

He appealed for women’s visibility and speedy solutions to challenges facing women, urging leaders to shift from mere rhetoric to action.

“For the EU, this is not just another day, but it is very much at the heart of our principles and our values of course. The issue is how we translate this to the Somali context. The beginning of this is to support in every way we can, women participation, and try to see in concrete terms, how we can amplify their voice in all areas of their lives, societies, families and communities,” he stressed.

Mr. George Conway, the Acting United Nations Resident Coordinator and UNDP Country Director for Somalia, said women’s equality was a prerequisite for peace, stability and development in Somalia. “So, in the interest of all Somali citizens towards the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals, I would urge Somali leaders and Federal authorities to make gender equality a clear priority in the upcoming National Development Plan; and speedy ratification of the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW),” said Mr. Conway, who delivered a speech on behalf of the Deputy Special Representative for the UN-Secretary General for Somalia Raizedon Zenenga.

“The adaptation of 30-percent reserved seats for women MPs in the Federal Parliament is a landmark decision towards making substantive improvement in women’s participation and decision-making role. Now it is up to all gender champions –men and women alike, to make it a reality,” emphasized Mr. Conway.

Somali leaders moderated a panel discussion on women’s representation in the 2016 electoral process and the 30-percent women’s quota; how to ensure an active role of Somali women in peace building and reconciliation, at the end of the celebrations.

Zahra Samanta, the Federal Minister for Women and Human Rights noted, that although Somalia was witnessing a transformation, women needed to be part of the process through their participation in socio-political and economic activities.

“My ministry has come up with the anti-Female Genital Mutilation Bill, the Sexual Offences Bill, and the Anti-Discrimination Bill, which will pave the way for women in Somalia to enjoy their rights and freedoms. Somalia should be part of the global women’s movement taking place in the world,” said Minister Zahra.

In a final communiqué delivered at the end of the panel discussions, Somali women leaders hailed the Federal Government for taking steps to improve the status of women. But, they urged the government to do more to increase women’s participation in politics and decision-making.

First Lady Zahra Omar Hassan, cabinet ministers from the Federal Government and regional administrations, high-ranking officials from the EU, United Nations and the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) attended the celebrations.