Baidoa, (SONNA) — The Minister of Family and Human Rights Development of the Federal Government of Somalia, Ambassador Khadiija Mohamed Al-Makhzoumi, held a consultative meeting in Baidoa with women’s organizations to discuss the current conditions facing women in Southwest State, including opportunities, challenges, and prevailing socio-economic pressures.
Representatives of the attending women’s groups, speaking on behalf of their organizations, outlined the realities faced by women across the Southwest regions. They highlighted key challenges and urgent needs, while also commending the Ministry for what they described as significant progress in advancing women’s rights and welfare in Somalia.
In her address, Minister Al-Makhzoumi briefed participants on major achievements by the Ministry, emphasizing legislative and policy milestones aimed at protecting and empowering women. These include the formalization of a 30% women’s quota in both the Electoral Law and Political Parties Law—marking a historic step toward inclusive political participation. She also cited the passage of laws targeting gender-based violence, the prohibition of female genital mutilation, and the Family Law, which expands legal protections and rights for women.
The Minister further outlined upcoming initiatives focused on strengthening women’s empowerment and eliminating all forms of violence against women nationwide. She concluded by urging unity and collective action among women, stressing that solidarity is essential to overcoming existing challenges and fully leveraging available opportunities.
