National Women Conference in Borame, to push for Women Quota in Parliament

The Vice President H.E Abdirahman Abdillahi Ismail “Saylic” today officially opened the two days Somaliland Women Conference in the western town of Borame in Awdal region.

The Theme of Somaliland Women Conference is “An Equitable and inclusive elections for all is an integral part of the democratization process in Somaliland”

The Ministry of Employment, Social Affairs and Family with NAGAAD Network and recently-established parliamentary committee for the advancement of women & gender equality in politics and leadership have organized this conference which is focusing on Critical challenges of women’s political participation and representation in the decision-making process and leadership for inclusivity and equality for all.

The Civil societies and communities at large, including women, are participating in the event in Borama for promoting gender equality and sustainable development in politics and leadership for all with a clear statement and declaration of Somaliland women’s quota enactment and application.

This conference be followed by the marginalized groups’ congress which the director-general said will be held before the debate on the bill commences.

On Monday, the ministry held a meeting to coordinate the lobbying efforts. It was attended by the minister of labor and social affairs, MPs sponsoring the bill and traditional leaders of the marginalized communities in Somaliland.

The elections bill containing provisions for a quota for women and marginalized groups is on the legislative agenda of the House of Representatives for this session.

From the local to the global level, women’s leadership & political participation are restricted. Women are underrepresented in leading positions, whether in elected offices, the civil service, the private sector or academia.