Somalia Launches Second Phase Of Women, Peace and Protection Programme

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia has launched the second phase of a national programme aimed at strengthening women’s participation in peacebuilding, governance and the protection of human rights, as the country seeks to advance implementation of the UN Women, Peace and Security agenda amid ongoing security and political challenges.

The Minister of Family and Human Rights Development, Khadija Mohamed Al-Makhzoumi, chaired the inaugural meeting of the steering committee for the Women Peace and Protection Joint Programme – Phase II (WPP-II), bringing together representatives from federal member states, the United Nations, development partners and civil society organisations.

The meeting approved the steering committee’s terms of reference and endorsed the programme’s overall implementation framework, including its first-year work plan, laying the groundwork for the initiative’s rollout over the next two years.

Officials said the programme is designed to strengthen leadership, accountability and coordination in promoting women’s participation in peacebuilding, conflict prevention and decision-making processes.

The ministry’s Director General, Mohamed Bashir Omar, told participants that the programme aligns with Somalia’s National Transformation Plan (2025–2029) and the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security, which calls for greater participation of women in conflict prevention, peace processes and post-conflict recovery.

The steering committee also approved a communications strategy intended to raise public awareness of the programme and highlight the role of women in peacebuilding, leadership and governance.

The 24-month initiative will be implemented in Banadir and the federal member states of Jubaland, South West, Hirshabelle, Puntland, Galmudug and SSC-Khaatumo. It is funded by the UN Somalia Joint Fund and jointly implemented by Somalia’s Ministry of Family and Human Rights Development, UN Women, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Transitional Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS).

The launch comes as Somalia continues efforts to increase women’s representation in public life despite persistent barriers linked to insecurity, clan dynamics and limited political representation. Women remain underrepresented in elected and appointed positions, although successive governments have pledged to increase their participation in line with national commitments and international frameworks.

International partners have repeatedly urged Somali authorities to ensure women play a greater role in mediation, reconciliation and institution-building, arguing that inclusive governance is essential for long-term peace and stability.

Closing the meeting, Al-Makhzoumi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding women’s participation in peacebuilding and safeguarding their fundamental rights, saying the ministry would continue working with national and international partners to promote inclusive governance and sustainable peace across Somalia.