Mogadishu (SONNA) – The Minister of Family and Human Rights Development of the Federal Government of Somalia, Amb. Khadiija Mohamed Al-Makhzoumi, on Monday officially launched the national “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” campaign in Mogadishu. The awareness drive will be marked across the country over the next 16 days, focusing on the protection and empowerment of Somali women and girls.
The opening ceremony was attended by the Ministry’s Director-General, Mohamed Bashir Omar, representatives from women’s organizations, civil society groups, and international partners.
In her remarks, Minister Khadiija highlighted the government’s unwavering commitment to combating violence against women and strengthening nationwide efforts to safeguard their rights and dignity. She underscored the Ministry’s ongoing work in developing and advancing key legal reforms essential for protecting Somali women, including:
- The Sexual Offences Bill, aimed at addressing rape and sexual violence.
- The Anti-FGM Bill, intended to prohibit and criminalize Female Genital Mutilation.
The Ministry of Women and Human Rights Development called on all sectors of society to actively participate in the national campaign, reaffirming that collective action is necessary to ensure the safety, dignity, and well-being of Somali women.
