{"id":153404,"date":"2025-03-02T13:38:53","date_gmt":"2025-03-02T11:38:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/?post_type=artikkelit&p=153404"},"modified":"2025-03-10T10:23:43","modified_gmt":"2025-03-10T08:23:43","slug":"empowering-women-to-lead-change-in-somali-communities","status":"publish","type":"artikkelit","link":"https:\/\/www.kirkonulkomaanapu.fi\/en\/latest-news\/articles\/empowering-women-to-lead-change-in-somali-communities\/","title":{"rendered":"Empowering women to lead change in Somali communities"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n
\n\n\t
<\/div>\n\n\t\n\t
<\/div>\n\n\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n

<\/h1>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Empowering women to lead change in Somali communities<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Somali women marched ahead in politics, education, and social activism in the early post-independence period, advocating for gender equality and policy reforms. But decades of political strife and instability erased much of that achievement, limiting women’s access to leadership roles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SOMALIA BOASTS<\/strong> a long and rich history of women’s leadership. From Hawo Tako, the anti-colonial resistance icon, to the brief ministerial positions of women in government. And yet Somali women have consistently had difficulty finding their seats at the negotiating table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite all frustrations, Somali women have been found to be strong.  A breakthrough happened during the 2000 Arta Peace Conference<\/a> held in Djibouti, ensuring women had official representation in Somali leadership. Since then, women have made advances by winning parliamentary seats and engaging in leadership capacities for peacebuilding and reconciliation. But women continue to face institutionalized barriers in political participation despite all these advances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A quiet revolution is taking place in Hirshabelle, Somalia. Women are stepping into leadership roles, breaking through systemic barriers, and proving that inclusive governance can bring tangible benefits to their communities. Supported by FCA Somalia with funding from the Somali Stability Fund<\/a>, this initiative is helping women take practical steps to address local challenges and foster peace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One these confident women is Madino Adow<\/strong>, a newly elected member of the Jowhar district council. She stands at a critical crossroad: on the one side, hopes of those who believe in her; on the other, the skepticism of those who who doubt women\u2019s leadership. But she remains determined:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAs a new female councilor, we have a massive responsibility. Many look to us for guidance while others  want to see us fail and use that as an excuse for never voting for female councilors again. But most, especially women and children, do want to do something to end their problems. So, we needed this kind of capacity-building to allow us to respond to the priority needs that confront us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n

\n
\n \"A\n <\/div>\n \n
\n \n\n
\n
\n \"A\n \n <\/div> \n\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n \n\n

FCA providing training in Jowhar on well-being and resilience for women who sit on their local District Council or are instrumental in their local peace efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div> \n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Clearing the Path to Leadership<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Women leaders in Hirshabelle district councils face long-standing challenges, including ingrained clan-based conflicts, social conventions that restrict their influence, and security concerns that make participation in governance unsafe. Even though women now make up 23% of district council seats, there are still many obstacles to overcome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

FCA’s work focuses on addressing these issues. Through targeted training and support, women receive the necessary tools and assistance to effectively engage in governance, advocate for their communities, and negotiate the nuances of local politics. This initiative is in line with the Wadajir National Framework<\/a>, which provides guidance for inclusive government in Somalia, including how to enhance the roles of women in governance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One example of this effort was a Leadership, Advocacy, and Conflict Resolution training session, held in January 2025 in Jowhar. This training equipped three women councilors and 10 peace mothers with essential governance skills, enabling them to take more active roles in decision-making processes. 85% of participants reported that they had increased confidence, improved mediation skills, and a stronger commitment to forming advocacy networks to push for gender-sensitive policies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWomen have a soft spot in their heart for peace. We are active in governance and reconciliation efforts, yet our impact increases when we are trained and empowered. The last leadership and advocacy training gave us the confidence to serve and advocate and now coming together strengthens our mission. A united and well-equipped women leaders\u2019 network can drive real change,\u201d said Falis Ahmed<\/strong>, a councilor from Galkayo<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Building Bridges in Jowhar and Warsheikh<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Meetings give women the opportunity to transform their ideas into tactics that are effective in their local situations, serving as both a forum for discussion and a platform for action. As Farhiya Abdi Shire<\/strong>, a councilor from Abudwak put it, the training session in Jowhar was a “space to connect”:<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"A
Farhiyo Abdi Shire, a councilor from Abudwak district, Galmudug state of Somalia.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

\u201cWe are very happy to come to Galkayo and interact with our fellow women leaders. That is a milestone in itself. As women leaders in Galmudug, our contributions to peace and community building are undeniable, yet our integration and networking have been missing. This training provided us the space to connect, share experiences, and strengthen our collective role in peace and governance. This is a sign for peace.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Events like this in Jowhar and Warsheikh included women councilors, so-called ‘Peace Mothers’, and influential community actors. Issues included specific steps to improve women’s participation in government and policy, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n