Somalia Calls for Stronger Global Cooperation to Advance Women’s Rights at Pakistan Conference

GOOBJOOG NEWS | ISLAMABAD: Family and Human Rights Development minister Khadija Mohamed Al-Makhzoumi has called for stronger international cooperation to advance women’s rights and inclusive development, saying women’s empowerment remains central to peacebuilding, economic growth and sustainable development.

Speaking at the 9th Women’s Affairs Conference in Islamabad, Al-Makhzoumi said closer collaboration among Islamic countries and the wider international community was needed to promote gender equality, strengthen human rights and build more inclusive societies.

She said Somalia had made progress in expanding women’s participation in decision-making and implementing policies aimed at promoting gender equality, social justice and the protection of fundamental rights.

Al-Makhzoumi highlighted the establishment and operationalisation of Somalia’s Independent National Human Rights Commission as a key institutional reform, saying it had strengthened accountability, the rule of law and the protection of human rights.

She said increasing women’s participation in political leadership, economic activity and public life remained a priority for Somalia, arguing that greater inclusion of women was essential for building lasting peace, effective governance and sustainable economic development.

The minister also thanked Pakistan for hosting the conference, describing it as an important platform for sharing experiences and strengthening cooperation on women’s rights and human rights among participating countries.

Somalia has taken steps in recent years to strengthen legal and institutional frameworks on gender equality and human rights, although women continue to face significant barriers to political representation, economic participation and access to services.

International partners have continued to support programmes aimed at improving women’s inclusion in governance, expanding economic opportunities and protecting vulnerable groups as the country rebuilds after decades of conflict.