Somali Women Diaspora Community
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
Addressed to:
His excellency President of the Federal Government of Somalia H.E. Mr. Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud,
The Speaker of the Parliament H.E. Mr. Mohamed Osman Jawari and
The Prime Minister of Somalia H.E Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmake.
RE: New cabinet appointment by the Federal Government of Somalia
The Somali Women Diaspora Community would like to urge the Somali Government to recognize the political participation of Somali women. It should be recognized that women have been playing a vital and active role in the initial dialogue and reconciliation amongst various communities. We therefore call for a 30% women representation to be respected in all future elections and to be included in the constitution as a policy
This comes following the appointment of the new cabinet announced on Sunday January 11 2015 with 26 Ministers, 9 State Ministers and 25 Deputy Ministers for a complete cabinet of 60 members out of which women only make up 5 members (8%) in total cabinet.
It is time to change this narrative where women continue to make up a single digit, in this regard the Somali Women Diaspora Community wishes to draw your attention to the following points in response to the appointment of the new cabinet, which we believe is a decision that has far reaching implications to women and their participation in the ongoing political process of Somalia:
· The United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 on Women, Peace and Security October 2000 calls for the right of women to be involved and engaged in peace and security processes;
· The New Deal Somali Peace and State Building Goals (PSG) Priorities and Principles stipulates that Somali Federal Government must contribute in enhancing the role that women play in the political arena;
· Recognize that women in Somalia are an important agency in political stabilization and the ongoing peace process of the country in this alone their voice needs to be included in the local and regional stabilization processes;
That said, the importance of women’s participation in reaching sustainable peace should be emphasised and verbalised to ensure the representation of Somali women at local, national and international decision making processes.
On that note, we would like to draw your attention to understand the importance of women’s participation in political activities. Therefore we are appealing for an inclusive political process that recognises women’s active contribution in the peace building, stabilization activities and the political representation of the country. This should be part of the strategy to ensure the realization of women’s social, cultural, civil and political rights.
Hence, we are expecting from the Excellences to consider our concerns and act accordingly.
Thank you
Somali Women Diaspora Community