Violence against women and girls is pervasive in Somalia, making Somalia one of the worst places to be a woman. The continuation of rape and harmful practices, such as polygamy, early and forced marriages, female genital mutilation, wife inheritance, continues to undermine efforts towards increased gender equality. As long as violence against women and girls persists, peace and development cannot be sustained.

The Federal Government of Somalia has demonstrated its deep commitment and determination to eliminate violence against women and girls. From the commitments made in the New Deal Compact to putting legislations in place, creating right policy and legal environment, the government has launched multi-pronged strategies to combat violence against women and girls. The right of women and girls to live free of violence is inalienable and it is enshrined in the Provisional Federal Constitution of Somalia.

The Sexual Offences Bill, the National Action Plan on Ending the Sexual Violence in Conflict, the Policy to combat Female Genital Mutilation, and implementation of a Gender-Based Violence Working Group Strategy in the Humanitarian Context all testify to the political will of the government to end this violence. However, the on-going efforts and interventions are not adequate to challenge the extent and magnitude of the problem. Concerted efforts and engagement of all of Somali society, in particular young men and boys is important to win this battle. The message of “Zero-tolerance” must reach every corner of Somali society.

On this International Day, which also marks the beginning of the annual 16 Days of Activism against Violence Against Women, I urge the Governments—Federal as well as sub-federal, non-government actors, humanitarian actors, civil society, professional communities, politicians, religious leaders, youth and students to join hands to end this violence. I particularly call on the Government to outlaw all forms of violence against women and girls, including female genital mutilation.