Somali women kick start processes on inclusive peace building

Mogadishu, 08 October—A cross section of Somali women met on Monday in Mogadishu to kick start a process towards the development of a National Action Plan (NAP) to strengthen their participation in peacebuilding and socio-economic progress in the stabilization and rebuilding efforts for Somalia.

Representing women in politics, civil society and security sectors from the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) and the Federal Member States, the participants at the three-day conference organized by the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) are set to focus on the action plan for women’s political participation, women in mediation and women in the security sector.

The conference was officially opened by the Somalia’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Ms. Khadija Mohamed Diriye, alongside the Deputy Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (DSRCC) for Somalia, Simon Mulongo was also aimed at deepening the implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325.

The United Nations Security Council in 2000 adopted Resolution 1325 which affirms that peace and security efforts are more sustainable when women are equal partners in the prevention of violent conflict, the delivery of relief and recovery efforts and in the forging of lasting peace.

“As we continue to support and work with the government and the people of Somalia on reconstituting the state, rehabilitating and rebuilding Somalia, we want to focus on the issue of women in the entire equation of how to rebuild Somalia.

“Today’s conference marks the beginning of efforts to make Somalia a full participant in the recognition of women to participate fully in issues of peace and security,” Mr Mulongo said.

Minister Khadija , spoke widely about the challenges of women and youth in Somalia and the need to implement the Security Council Resolution 1325.

“We have been working on this resolution for a while. It has not been  fully implemented however we are keen to ensure full implementation now,” the minister explained.

The Minister of Women and Human Rights in HirShabelle State, Ms. Aisha Khalif, spoke about the peculiar challenges that Somali women face in her state.

“We record significant numbers of rape cases. We also lack health facilities and other social amenities. These challenges  leaves our girls and women vulnerable,” Ms. Aisha stated.

Ms. Faiza Sharif Nuur Mohamed, the Minister of Women, Family Affairs and Human Rights in South West State, called for full inclusion for Somali women.