AU pledges to support Somali women to achieve gender equality

African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) has pledged support to Somali women in their quest for gender parity in the Somalia’s upcoming polls.

Somali National Leadership forum has agreed on 30% quota women representation in Somali next parliament which elected by over 14000 delegates before the end of this year.

Speaking at a one-day national conference held in Mogadishu , African Union Special Envoy For Somalia, Francisco Caetano Madeira, called on Somali women to aim higher and redouble their efforts in advocating for women’s greater participation in decision-making.

“As you continue to push for the 30-percent representation, AMISOM, the African Union will be with you because your victory is certain,” said Madeira.

Madeira said Somali women should increase their involvement in political arena and start lobbing the leaders to ensure the 30% quota for women representation in the Federal Parliament is realised.

“What you need to do now is to make sure that all regional presidents and all the elders recognize that; and that the 30 per cent representation which you have been fighting for is something you deserve,” SRCC Madeira advised the women.

The one-day National conference for women was attended by a section of women parliamentary aspirants from the regional administrations of Galmudug, South West, Puntland and Jubbaland and representatives of the civil society.