Somalia: UN official underlines need to advance women’s participation in public life
Source: United Nations
Despite many challenges, Somalia has made significant progress in advancing key national priorities, but enhancing women’s political participation remains critical, UN Deputy Special Representative in the country, Anita Kiki Gbeho, told the Security Council on Wednesday.
Action on equality
The top official said she has welcomed the Federal Government’s continued commitment to implementing the women, peace, and security agenda, as demonstrated by the launch of a new national action plan on Security Council resolution 1325.
The landmark document, adopted more than 20 years ago, reaffirms women’s role in peacebuilding and conflict prevention and resolution.
Describing the action plan as “timely”, she said it provides a framework to address the challenges that persist for women in Somalia but stressed that more action is needed for equal representation in all facets of public life.
“To this end, enhancing women’s political participation also remains critical,” she said.
“This includes that the commitment Somalia’s political leaders made on the 30 per cent women’s quota is not only codified in relevant legal and electoral frameworks but also safeguarded by all entities.”
Ms. Gbeho underlined the UN’s continued support to newly elected women representatives. “Moving forward, we must remain focused on advancing women’s participation and equality,” she said, calling on stakeholders to redouble their efforts.
Click here to read the full article published by United Nations News on 22 February 2023.
Despite many challenges, Somalia has made significant progress in advancing key national priorities, but enhancing women’s political participation remains critical, UN Deputy Special Representative in the country, Anita Kiki Gbeho, told the Security Council on Wednesday.
Action on equality
The top official said she has welcomed the Federal Government’s continued commitment to implementing the women, peace, and security agenda, as demonstrated by the launch of a new national action plan on Security Council resolution 1325.
The landmark document, adopted more than 20 years ago, reaffirms women’s role in peacebuilding and conflict prevention and resolution.
Describing the action plan as “timely”, she said it provides a framework to address the challenges that persist for women in Somalia but stressed that more action is needed for equal representation in all facets of public life.
“To this end, enhancing women’s political participation also remains critical,” she said.
“This includes that the commitment Somalia’s political leaders made on the 30 per cent women’s quota is not only codified in relevant legal and electoral frameworks but also safeguarded by all entities.”
Ms. Gbeho underlined the UN’s continued support to newly elected women representatives. “Moving forward, we must remain focused on advancing women’s participation and equality,” she said, calling on stakeholders to redouble their efforts.
Click here to read the full article published by United Nations News on 22 February 2023.