Somalia Launches Women’s Leadership Training To Boost Participation in Policymaking

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: The Ministry of Family and Human Rights Development has launched a three-day leadership and policy advocacy training programme for women, as part of efforts to strengthen women’s participation in public decision-making and promote gender equality in the country’s governance and development.

The programme is being implemented under the Empowering Women through Investment and Inclusion Networks in Somalia (e-WINS) project, which is co-funded by the European Union and delivered by the ministry in partnership with ADRA Somalia.

The initiative seeks to equip Somali women with leadership and advocacy skills to enable them to contribute more effectively to policymaking, community leadership and inclusive governance.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Director of the Women’s Development Department at the ministry, Sadia Mohamed Nor, urged participants to apply the knowledge gained during the training to advance women’s rights and support development initiatives within their communities.

“The skills acquired through this programme should contribute to stronger community leadership and greater participation of women in shaping Somalia’s future,” she said.

The opening session brought together representatives from the Office of the Prime Minister, civil society organisations, women’s and youth groups, organisations representing people with disabilities and other community stakeholders.

The training focuses on leadership development, evidence-based policy advocacy and inclusive participation in governance processes. Organisers say it is intended to help increase women’s engagement in decision-making while supporting broader efforts to promote social inclusion and economic empowerment.

Women’s political participation remains a key issue in Somalia despite gradual progress in recent years. Women continue to occupy seats in federal and state institutions, although their representation has often fallen short of the 30% quota endorsed by successive governments and international partners. Rights groups and development agencies have repeatedly called for stronger measures to improve women’s representation in elected office and senior public positions.

The programme also comes as Somalia continues reforms aimed at strengthening public institutions and expanding protections for human rights. In recent months, the federal government has engaged regional and international partners on issues including women’s empowerment, family development and human rights cooperation, while seeking to align domestic initiatives with broader national development priorities.

The European Union has been among Somalia’s longstanding development partners, supporting projects focused on governance, social inclusion, education and economic resilience. Through the e-WINS programme, the EU and ADRA Somalia are working with the ministry to expand opportunities for Somali women in leadership, entrepreneurship and public life.

Ministry officials said the training forms part of wider efforts to build a more inclusive society by enhancing women’s capacity to influence public policy and participate in national development.