Today, as we celebrate International Democracy Day 2024, the Somali Media Women Association (SOMWA) celebrates the active role it has played in nurturing democratic values and encouraging inclusive political participation in Somalia. SOMWA focused on empowering women and marginalized groups, advocating for direct elections, and supporting gender equality in Somali politics.
Enhancing a culture of direct elections in Somalia
Somalia has faced significant political and social challenges over the past decades, with ongoing instability and conflict hampering democratic processes. The country currently uses a complex clan-based electoral system, where a limited number of delegates from various clans select members of parliament, who in turn elect the president. Calls for direct elections have grown louder in recent years, reflecting a desire for a more democratic and transparent process.
So, as part of the communications campaign to nurture a culture of direct elections in Somalia, SOMWA, with the support of UNSOM, organised a public discussion whose primary aim was to encourage women, marginalised communities, and minority groups to exercise their democratic rights. The session underscored the critical role of political inclusion and active participation in direct elections in fostering a more representative and democratic Somalia. Participants engaged in meaningful discussions about the challenges facing these groups and explored strategies for overcoming barriers to ensure their voices are heard in future electoral processes.
Empowering female politicians via workshops.
SOMWA hosted a workshop for 25 current and aspiring female politicians in Hudur, focussing on effective communication skills and the use of social media to enhance their visibility. The workshop aimed to equip women with practical tools to boost their presence and influence in public and governmental spaces. Participants discussed how to leverage communication channels to increase their political impact and ensure greater inclusivity at all levels of government. The “Empowering Women in Politics Through Communications and Social Media Skills” workshop served as a catalyst for empowering women in politics to effectively communicate their messages, engage with their communities, and navigate the digital landscape safely and responsibly. By investing in the capacity building of women leaders, we contribute to the advancement of democracy, gender equality, and inclusive governance in Somalia. This initiative was a crucial step in empowering women politicians and encouraging their active involvement in shaping Somalia’s democratic landscape.
Promoting the 30% women’s quota in Somali politics.
SOMWA facilitated an open discussion in Baidoa, Somalia, as part of its ongoing efforts to raise awareness and support for the implementation of a minimum 30% women’s quota in Somali politics to promote gender equality in politics. The event featured a panel of experts, including Members of Parliament from the Upper House, who shared their views on increasing female representation in decision-making bodies. The discussions underscored the significance of women’s participation in politics, not only for achieving inclusive governance but also for driving economic growth in the country. The participants, particularly the political leaders, reaffirmed their commitment to achieving the 30% quota, a crucial step towards empowering women in Somali politics.
Conclusion
SOMWA’s activities on International Democracy Day 2024 highlighted the critical role of women and marginalized groups in advancing democracy in Somalia. Through public discussions, workshops, and advocacy campaigns, SOMWA continues to lead efforts towards fostering a more inclusive and representative political environment. These initiatives represent key steps in strengthening democracy in Somalia by ensuring that all citizens, especially women, have the opportunity to participate fully in the nation’s political processes.
