Empowering Somali Women: A Conversation with Parliamentary Leaders

By: Niyi Ojuolape, Country Representative, UNFPA Somalia

In recent a meeting convened by the the Speaker of Somali Federal Parliament,  Sheik Adam Mohamed Nour 'Madobe', I had the honor of leading a delegation of UN colleagues, including the heads of UN Women, UNICEF and UNDP to meet with Federal Parliamentary leaders. We commemorated the late Minister for Women and Human Rights, H.E Khadija Mohamed Dariye and discussed progressing our shared goals. We also discussed collaborative efforts like empowering lawmakers to directly engage constituents and embrace grassroots realities throughout this process. 

During the meeting Madobe, remarked that the study tour facilitated by UNFPA earlier this year for women parliamentarians to Nigeria had a transformative impact on the participants, enhancing their skills and knowledge on promoting women's empowerment. He said "We truly appreciate the unwavering support and commitment demonstrated by UNFPA in fostering the capacity development of women leaders within our parliament. This [study tour] aligns with our collective efforts to promote women’s empowerment and inclusive governance in Somalia."

This sentiment echoes praise from Abdi Hashi Abdullahi, Speaker of the Upper House, who I met with in December 2023. He congratulated UNFPA on the tour's success, noting it was "transformative" in enhancing skills and knowledge. Speaker Abdullahi also affirmed the Federal Parliament's desire to continue partnering with UNFPA to advance women's rights and participation in politics.

As the Somalia Country Representative for UNFPA, it is gratifying to receive this recognition regarding our support for women's empowerment through initiatives like cross-country exchanges. Indeed, witnessing best practices first-hand through cross-country exchanges provides lessons that can strengthen capacities and vision. As the current Parliament's priority is constitutional reform, the experience and observations gained through cross-cultural exchanges provide valuable insights that can strengthen the process of reform. 

This unified vision was reiterated in our dialogue on resources and advocacy. UN agencies will continue providing capacity support as Somalia progresses on its democratic journey. By fostering mutual learning and community-centered approaches, we collectively strengthen women's voice and leadership for an equal future. I am grateful for Somalia's leadership in championing our shared goals.

In our meeting, both the UNFPA delegation and Somalia's parliamentary leaders reiterated a shared commitment to promoting women's rights and participation. Parliament prioritizes completing its constitutional review process, which UNFPA is keen to support through capacity building for legislators. We also discussed how direct citizen engagement can better inform lawmaking on issues impacting communities nationwide.

It was an honor to engage with Somalia's elected representatives and reaffirm UNFPA's partnership in advancing the rights and leadership potential of the country's women and girls. It gives me great hope and optimism about ongoing cooperation to realize our shared vision of empowerment and equality for all.