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MOGADISHU – The Federal Ministry of Family, Human Rights and Social Development of the Federal Government of Somalia, in cooperation with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), launched a specialized training programme in Mogadishu aimed at strengthening the role of Somali women in peacebuilding processes, with the participation of representatives from state institutions, civil society organizations, religious scholars, community elders and social figures.
The three-day programme is part of national and regional efforts aimed at enhancing the capacities of peace and reconciliation actors and promoting the integration of women and gender considerations into various stages of conflict resolution, contributing to more inclusive approaches to peacebuilding and strengthening social stability in Somalia.
The training focuses on raising awareness of the importance of women’s participation in peace processes and providing participants with knowledge and practical tools to support women’s engagement in dialogue, reconciliation and decision-making, recognizing them as essential partners in strengthening social cohesion and addressing the root causes of conflicts.
The programme is being implemented under the project “Enhancing Women’s Economic Resilience for Sustainable Peace in the IGAD Region,” which aims to empower women economically and socially and link capacity-building efforts with peace and comprehensive development initiatives. The project is supported by the African Development Bank Group and implemented through cooperation between the IGAD Office in Somalia and the Federal Ministry of Family, Human Rights and Social Development.
Speaking at the opening of the training, IGAD Head of Mission in Somalia Ambassador Mahmoud Abdi Karshi, representing IGAD Executive Secretary Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu, said sustainable peace begins with strengthening the capacities of individuals and institutions leading peace efforts. He emphasized that women’s inclusion in peace processes is a central factor in advancing security, development and stability in the region.
The Federal Ministry of Family, Human Rights and Social Development stated that enhancing women’s participation is among its national priorities aimed at building a more inclusive and equitable society. The Ministry noted that Somali women have demonstrated over the past decades their ability to contribute to local reconciliation initiatives, humanitarian efforts and development programmes, adding that the next phase requires transforming these contributions into stronger institutional participation in peacebuilding and decision-making processes.
Observers consider the partnership between Somalia and IGAD an important step in supporting the Women, Peace and Security agenda, particularly amid the need to broaden community participation in addressing the causes of conflicts and strengthening the role of women and youth in building a more stable future and enhancing resilience against challenges.
Women’s participation in peacebuilding represents an increasingly important pathway in Somalia’s efforts to consolidate stability and advance national reconciliation. Experiences have shown that societies that provide women with meaningful roles in dialogue and decision-making are better able to address the drivers of conflicts and build sustainable solutions.
Somalia, in cooperation with its regional and international partners, continues to develop policies and programmes supporting the Women, Peace and Security agenda, recognizing it as a key component of state-building efforts, inclusive governance and sustainable development.
