To: Hamze Abdi Barre- Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Somalia
Cc: President of the Federal Republic of Somalia
Hon Prime Minister, we, the Somali Gender Equity Movement (SGEM), together with our Board of Directors and nearly 8,000 dedicated Somali women members who are always committed to the protection and advancement of women’s rights, express our strong opposition, profound condemnation, and deep sorrow over the recent decision to rename the Ministry of Women and Human Rights Development (MoWHRD) to the Ministry of Family and Human Rights Development. Moreover, we are deeply concerned by the appointment of a male general as its new minister and the alarming trend of rapidly replacing women in federal government positions with men.
The original mandate of the MoWHRD was specifically designed to address the unique needs of Somali women, along with policies and legislation that directly impact them. By shifting its focus away from women’s issues, we fear this change undermines the progress that has been made in advancing gender equality in Somalia. It sends a troubling message about the diminishing importance of women’s voices in critical decision-making processes and risks marginalizing women’s issues further.
Hon Prime Minister, it is disheartening to note that the current Council of Ministers, consisting of 75 members, includes only 9 women (12%). With yesterday’s appointment, women lost one Minister and one State Minister position, reducing the female representation in the cabinet to 7 (9%). The positions previously held by Somali women that were given to men include:
- Minister of the Ministry of Women and Human Rights Development.
- State Minister for the Ministry of Youth and Sports
- Deputy Chief of Police
- Accountant General
- Deputy Governor of the Central Bank
- Head of NISA at Aden Abdulle Airport
- Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Prime Minister’s Office
- The Director of Finance of the Ministry of Agriculture who was also acting General Secretary.
Hon Prime Minister, it is also concerning that two women leaders were prevented from running for international positions, specifically for the Inter-Parliamentary Union President and AU Commission Chair roles.
With over 50% of our population being women, their exclusion from government structures hinders the development goals of Somalia. Our country cannot achieve its full potential without the knowledge, experience, talent, and intellect of Somali women.
We offer the following recommendations:
- To reassign the positions taken from women to equivalent or more strategic roles to ensure a balanced, fair, and inclusive government.
- To appoint at least 4 women among the 9 MPs to be selected for the East African Legislative Assembly.
- The selection process for the National Independent Electoral Commission, previously chaired by a woman, should ensure that qualified women compete for the chairperson position, with the aim of appointing a chairwoman.
- To secure at least 30% representation for women in all appointed, elected, and nominated positions, including independent commissions and committees.
We urge all public institution heads to adhere to the agreement on women’s quotas, ensuring a minimum of 30% representation in political and all government institutions in all levels.
We look forward to your prompt response to our request.
Let unity prevail!
