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Prime Minister Barre meets with women groups to highlight role in nation-building and elections, reaffirming the Somali government’s commitment to inclusive governance and gender equity as the country prepares for sweeping democratic reforms. The high-level consultative forum, held in Mogadishu on Tuesday, brought together hundreds of women from across the capital to discuss their pivotal role in shaping Somalia’s future.
Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre addressed the gathering with a powerful message: Somali women are not just participants in the nation’s journey—they are architects of its progress. He praised their unwavering patriotism, resilience, and contributions to peacebuilding, reconciliation, and post-conflict reconstruction. “Somali women are critical to achieving our long-term national goals and reclaiming our country,” Barre said, emphasizing that their involvement is essential in defeating extremist threats and building a unified Somalia.
The event, themed “Defense and Elections,” was organized by the Somali Women’s Center for Security and Peace and featured top government officials, including the Minister of Women and Human Rights Development and the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs. Members of parliament, civil society leaders, and women from diverse sectors also participated, underscoring the broad support for women’s empowerment across Somalia’s political spectrum.
Barre reiterated his administration’s intention to expand employment opportunities for women, protect their constitutional representation, and ensure their full participation in political life. He stressed that safeguarding every citizen’s right to vote and run for office is a cornerstone of Somalia’s democratic transition. “We must protect the rights of our women—not just in words, but through action and policy,” he said.
The Prime Minister also called for unity in the face of ongoing threats from the al-Shabab militant group, which he referred to as the “Khawarij.” He urged Somali women to continue their leadership in community mobilization, counter-extremism efforts, and civic education, noting that their voices are vital in shaping public opinion and fostering resilience.
Participants at the forum shared personal stories and policy recommendations, highlighting the challenges women face in accessing leadership roles and the need for targeted reforms. Many called for increased funding for women-led initiatives, greater representation in electoral commissions, and stronger legal protections against gender-based violence.
The meeting comes at a critical juncture in Somalia’s political evolution, as the country prepares for the implementation of a one-person, one-vote electoral system and constitutional reforms. Barre’s engagement with women leaders signals a strategic shift toward inclusive governance and a recognition that sustainable peace and development cannot be achieved without gender parity.
Observers say the forum could serve as a blueprint for future consultations, ensuring that women remain central to Somalia’s security and political agenda. With elections on the horizon and the transition from ATMIS to AUSSOM underway, the government’s outreach to women is both timely and necessary.
As the event concluded, attendees pledged to continue advocating for women’s rights and national unity. The Prime Minister’s message was clear: Somalia’s future depends on the full participation of its women, and the government is ready to walk that path together.