September 17, 2018
Women claim their place in Somalia’s politics
Despite some gains, female politicians face an uphill battle in reaching the country’s 30% quota.
Somalia
Somali women’s political participation and leadership: Evidence and opportunities
Back
September 29, 2017
Somali women’s political participation and leadership: Evidence and opportunities
This report synthesises findings from an eleven month qualitative research project (August 2016 - June 2017), carried out by Social Development Direct and Forcier Consulting, and funded by the Resea
Print article
This report synthesises findings from an eleven month qualitative research project (August 2016 - June 2017), carried out by Social Development Direct and Forcier Consulting, and funded by the Resea
April 4, 2017
Somali women leaders embrace obstacles with courage and confidence
Women in Somalia continue to face significant obstacles that limit their political participation.
Interviews
Fadumo Dayib
Back
August 16, 2016
Fadumo Dayib
Somali Presidential Candidate
Somali Presidential Candidate
Print article
Somali Presidential Candidate
Somalia: Women’s Political Participation in Puntland - Prospects for Progress
Back
June 21, 2016
Somalia: Women’s Political Participation in Puntland - Prospects for Progress
This research study was conducted b
Print article
This research study was conducted b
January 14, 2016
Upcoming National Gender Policy in Somalia
"The Government is committed to developing a framework for integrating a gender perspective in all policy and programmes" said Minister of Women and Human Rights Development of the Federal government, Mrs Sahra Mohamed Ali.
Election
5112: Somalia, 12/31/2026, Somali Presidency
| Quota Information | Parliament Information | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Are there legislated quotas? | Yes | Structure of parliament | Unicameral |
| For the Single/Lower House? | Yes | >Current members | 274 |
| Percentage of women | 19.71% | ||
| Source: Gender Quotas Database | Source: New Parline | ||
Note: this page was last updated on October 4, 2022.
Election for:
September 17, 2026
Somalia’s Electoral Body and Family Ministry Partner to Ensure 30% Women’s Quota and Disability Representation
MOGADISHU — The Minister of Family and Human Rights Development, Ambassador Khadija Mohamed Al-Makhzoumi, and the Chairman of the National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (NIEBC), Abdikarim Ahmed, have agreed to strengthen cooperation between their institutions an
March 20, 2024
Somali women MPs rally against opposition to women's participation in politics
MOGADISHU (HORN OBSERVER) – In a press conference joined by local women activists on Monday, Somali women Members of Parliament (MPs) expressed their frustration and lack of political will to include a 30% women quota in the constitutional amendments amidst a heated de
April 21, 2023
Somalia: UN official underlines need to advance women’s participation in public life
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April 21, 2022
Somalia: Women struggle to make their voices heard in politics
Although Somalia now has a quota system for female lawmakers, women are frequently held back from pursuing leadership roles due to pervasive cultural and social barriers.
April 13, 2022
Somalia: Women struggle to make their voices heard in politics
Although Somalia now has a quota system for female lawmakers, women are frequently held back from pursuing leadership roles due to pervasive cultural and social barriers.
It's not easy being a female politician in conflict-ridden Somalia.
March 28, 2022
Female opposition MP among dozens killed in Somalia bombings
Al-Shabaab claim responsibility for attacks, including that which killed Amina Mohamed Abdi in run-up to elections this week.
November 30, 2021
Somalia: electoral agency pushes for more women in parliament
Somalia's federal electoral agency is urging all regional polls supervisors to ensure that at least 30 percent of seats in the Lower House go to women.
September 22, 2021
In Somalia, Deputy UN chief encourages progress on women’s political participation, and peaceful elections
The United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Amina J.
September 2, 2021
Somalia campaigners step up efforts for more women representation in politics
A two-day forum in Somalia that brought together women, the youth, academics, women’s rights activists and political experts concluded deliberations on Wednesday with a call for 30 percent women quota in political representation to be guaranteed.
July 21, 2021
Somalia's only female presidential candidate says time for women to lead
MOGADISHU, SOMALIA - Somalia's top leaders, all men, have struggled for years to tame the Horn of Africa nation's insecurity and corruption.
July 6, 2021
Half fees for all Somalia women vying in coming October elections
Somalia is halving the registration fees for women candidates to encourage more participation in the upcoming elections.
June 2, 2021
Somalia election certain, now the focus is women seats, security
The political agreement signed in Somalia this past heralds not just a new democratic dawn but also one of equity and inclusivity by raising the quota of women in the formal political space to at least a third of the bicameral fede
January 19, 2021
Somali PM reserves 30% of parliament seats for women in upcoming poll
November 23, 2020
Somalia: Groups explore ways to increase women's participation in politics
Civil society and human rights activists, legal experts, politicians and youth representatives met in Mogadishu on Sunday to discuss ways to increase and strengthen women's participation in Somalia's politics.
October 28, 2020
Somali women demand guarantee of 30% of parliament in 2021 election
Women's rights groups, prominent businesswomen and female politicians in Somalia are urging the country's male-dominated parliament to pass a bill reserving 30 per cent of seats for women in next year's general election.
June 24, 2020
Somalia: Lower House approves 30 percent quota proposal for women representation
Somali women's urge to directly participate in governance was tremendously boosted on Sunday, following the decision by Lower House to unanimously endorse a 30 per cent quota proposal for affirmative representation in the house.
September 17, 2018
Women claim their place in Somalia’s politics
Despite some gains, female politicians face an uphill battle in reaching the country’s 30% quota.
June 20, 2018
Somaliland: First steps taken to increase women’s participation in politics
In recent months, the developing nation of Somaliland has made a number of steps towards encouraging the active participation of women throughout its institutions. As the writer of the article below notes, newly-elected President Hon.
April 4, 2017
Somali women leaders embrace obstacles with courage and confidence
Women in Somalia continue to face significant obstacles that limit their political participation.
January 14, 2016
Upcoming National Gender Policy in Somalia
"The Government is committed to developing a framework for integrating a gender perspective in all policy and programmes" said Minister of Women and Human Rights Development of the Federal government, Mrs Sahra Mohamed Ali.
January 4, 2015
Somali Women Mobilizing for Peace
Following the downfall of President Siad Barre in 1991, a civil war broke out in Somalia between the factions. The internecine conflict has taken its heavy toll on all Somalis, but women in general face a disproportionate burden.
February 12, 2014
Somalia: Puntland’s New minister for Women affairs officially takes over Office
Puntland’s new minister for women affairs and Family Development Anisa Abdulkadir Haji Mumin has today officially taken over office in a ceremony held at the Ministry’s headquarters in Garowe.
August 19, 2013
Women Taking Lead Roles in Re-Constructing Somalia
While al-Shabaab loses ground and progress and development spread throughout Somalia, women are seeking a larger role in re-constructing the country.
July 22, 2013
Somali Govt Drafts Bill to Protect Women's Rights
The Somali Ministry of Development and Social Affairs is drafting a bill that outlines a new gender policy for the country and safeguards women's rights, particularly in politics and education.
July 2, 2013
NDI staffer seeks to connect Somali women in parliament, civil society
Hodan Ahmed and her family were forced to flee Somalia in 1991. The civil war that drove them from their home would go on for two decades.
May 30, 2012
Somalia: Women Have a Role to Play in Somalia, Say Activists
Long lasting peace and unity cannot be achieved unless women are involved fully in the political and democratization process in that country. This was the clarion call by Somali women leaders who gathered in Nairobi, Kenya, this week.
May 30, 2012
Somalia: Building Bridges for Women's Empowerment
In order to give voice to these invisible actors, the United Nations International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women (UN-INSTRAW) and the Associazione Diaspora e Pace (ADEP) are organizing a conference on Women, Peace and Security in Somalia, within the framework of Res
May 30, 2012
Somalia: Somali Women MPs Consult Uganda Counterparts
A delegation of women members of the Somali parliament is in Uganda to consult legislators on the constitution making process, the role of women parliamentary caucus and relationship between legislators and civil society.
May 30, 2012
Somali Women Say "Consider Us for the Country’s Leadership"
MOGADISHU, Feb 15, 2012 (IPS) - As Somalia’s transitional government and various stakeholders meet Wednesday to discuss the inclusion of the country’s clans in the new government, women politicians have called for a greater role in the leadership of this East African nation
Election
5113: Somalia, 12/31/2026, Somali House of the People
| Quota Information | Parliament Information | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Are there legislated quotas? | Yes | Structure of parliament | Unicameral |
| For the Single/Lower House? | Yes | >Current members | 274 |
| Percentage of women | 19.71% | ||
| Source: Gender Quotas Database | Source: New Parline | ||
Note: this page was last updated on October 4, 2022.
Election for:
September 17, 2026
Somalia’s Electoral Body and Family Ministry Partner to Ensure 30% Women’s Quota and Disability Representation
MOGADISHU — The Minister of Family and Human Rights Development, Ambassador Khadija Mohamed Al-Makhzoumi, and the Chairman of the National Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (NIEBC), Abdikarim Ahmed, have agreed to strengthen cooperation between their institutions an
March 20, 2024
Somali women MPs rally against opposition to women's participation in politics
MOGADISHU (HORN OBSERVER) – In a press conference joined by local women activists on Monday, Somali women Members of Parliament (MPs) expressed their frustration and lack of political will to include a 30% women quota in the constitutional amendments amidst a heated de
April 21, 2023
Somalia: UN official underlines need to advance women’s participation in public life
Normal
0
-->
April 21, 2022
Somalia: Women struggle to make their voices heard in politics
Although Somalia now has a quota system for female lawmakers, women are frequently held back from pursuing leadership roles due to pervasive cultural and social barriers.
April 13, 2022
Somalia: Women struggle to make their voices heard in politics
Although Somalia now has a quota system for female lawmakers, women are frequently held back from pursuing leadership roles due to pervasive cultural and social barriers.
It's not easy being a female politician in conflict-ridden Somalia.
March 28, 2022
Female opposition MP among dozens killed in Somalia bombings
Al-Shabaab claim responsibility for attacks, including that which killed Amina Mohamed Abdi in run-up to elections this week.
November 30, 2021
Somalia: electoral agency pushes for more women in parliament
Somalia's federal electoral agency is urging all regional polls supervisors to ensure that at least 30 percent of seats in the Lower House go to women.
September 22, 2021
In Somalia, Deputy UN chief encourages progress on women’s political participation, and peaceful elections
The United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Amina J.
September 2, 2021
Somalia campaigners step up efforts for more women representation in politics
A two-day forum in Somalia that brought together women, the youth, academics, women’s rights activists and political experts concluded deliberations on Wednesday with a call for 30 percent women quota in political representation to be guaranteed.
July 21, 2021
Somalia's only female presidential candidate says time for women to lead
MOGADISHU, SOMALIA - Somalia's top leaders, all men, have struggled for years to tame the Horn of Africa nation's insecurity and corruption.
July 6, 2021
Half fees for all Somalia women vying in coming October elections
Somalia is halving the registration fees for women candidates to encourage more participation in the upcoming elections.
June 2, 2021
Somalia election certain, now the focus is women seats, security
The political agreement signed in Somalia this past heralds not just a new democratic dawn but also one of equity and inclusivity by raising the quota of women in the formal political space to at least a third of the bicameral fede
January 19, 2021
Somali PM reserves 30% of parliament seats for women in upcoming poll
November 23, 2020
Somalia: Groups explore ways to increase women's participation in politics
Civil society and human rights activists, legal experts, politicians and youth representatives met in Mogadishu on Sunday to discuss ways to increase and strengthen women's participation in Somalia's politics.
October 28, 2020
Somali women demand guarantee of 30% of parliament in 2021 election
Women's rights groups, prominent businesswomen and female politicians in Somalia are urging the country's male-dominated parliament to pass a bill reserving 30 per cent of seats for women in next year's general election.
June 24, 2020
Somalia: Lower House approves 30 percent quota proposal for women representation
Somali women's urge to directly participate in governance was tremendously boosted on Sunday, following the decision by Lower House to unanimously endorse a 30 per cent quota proposal for affirmative representation in the house.
September 17, 2018
Women claim their place in Somalia’s politics
Despite some gains, female politicians face an uphill battle in reaching the country’s 30% quota.
June 20, 2018
Somaliland: First steps taken to increase women’s participation in politics
In recent months, the developing nation of Somaliland has made a number of steps towards encouraging the active participation of women throughout its institutions. As the writer of the article below notes, newly-elected President Hon.
April 4, 2017
Somali women leaders embrace obstacles with courage and confidence
Women in Somalia continue to face significant obstacles that limit their political participation.
January 14, 2016
Upcoming National Gender Policy in Somalia
"The Government is committed to developing a framework for integrating a gender perspective in all policy and programmes" said Minister of Women and Human Rights Development of the Federal government, Mrs Sahra Mohamed Ali.
January 4, 2015
Somali Women Mobilizing for Peace
Following the downfall of President Siad Barre in 1991, a civil war broke out in Somalia between the factions. The internecine conflict has taken its heavy toll on all Somalis, but women in general face a disproportionate burden.
February 12, 2014
Somalia: Puntland’s New minister for Women affairs officially takes over Office
Puntland’s new minister for women affairs and Family Development Anisa Abdulkadir Haji Mumin has today officially taken over office in a ceremony held at the Ministry’s headquarters in Garowe.
August 19, 2013
Women Taking Lead Roles in Re-Constructing Somalia
While al-Shabaab loses ground and progress and development spread throughout Somalia, women are seeking a larger role in re-constructing the country.
July 22, 2013
Somali Govt Drafts Bill to Protect Women's Rights
The Somali Ministry of Development and Social Affairs is drafting a bill that outlines a new gender policy for the country and safeguards women's rights, particularly in politics and education.
July 2, 2013
NDI staffer seeks to connect Somali women in parliament, civil society
Hodan Ahmed and her family were forced to flee Somalia in 1991. The civil war that drove them from their home would go on for two decades.
May 30, 2012
Somalia: Women Have a Role to Play in Somalia, Say Activists
Long lasting peace and unity cannot be achieved unless women are involved fully in the political and democratization process in that country. This was the clarion call by Somali women leaders who gathered in Nairobi, Kenya, this week.
May 30, 2012
Somalia: Building Bridges for Women's Empowerment
In order to give voice to these invisible actors, the United Nations International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women (UN-INSTRAW) and the Associazione Diaspora e Pace (ADEP) are organizing a conference on Women, Peace and Security in Somalia, within the framework of Res
May 30, 2012
Somalia: Somali Women MPs Consult Uganda Counterparts
A delegation of women members of the Somali parliament is in Uganda to consult legislators on the constitution making process, the role of women parliamentary caucus and relationship between legislators and civil society.
May 30, 2012
Somali Women Say "Consider Us for the Country’s Leadership"
MOGADISHU, Feb 15, 2012 (IPS) - As Somalia’s transitional government and various stakeholders meet Wednesday to discuss the inclusion of the country’s clans in the new government, women politicians have called for a greater role in the leadership of this East African nation
June 20, 2018
Somaliland: First steps taken to increase women’s participation in politics
In recent months, the developing nation of Somaliland has made a number of steps towards encouraging the active participation of women throughout its institutions. As the writer of the article below notes, newly-elected President Hon.