President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud hails Somali women’s role in nation-building
The President told the women leaders that elections and security are key priorities for his government and urged them to support him and the government in fulfilling its mandate.
As part of celebrations to mark this year’s International Women's Day (IWD) in Somalia, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud late on Saturday hosted women leaders across the society to a State iftar dinner, where he praised them for their role in the country’s turbulent nation-building process.
The colourful event attracted the who’s who amongst Somali women in the capital Mogadishu with over 100 women politicians, women in public service as well as women in the forces and ordinary professional women gathering at State House for a special State iftar banquet hosted in their favour for their selfless service to society.
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“I want to thank and recognise your selflessness and incredible efforts in standing with the Somali security forces fighting the terrorist enemy from the Almiskaad mountains and down to Daarul Nimca and Kowthar, Beera Yabal and Aligurey and across all frontlines in the country you will find presents and food sent to the soldiers by Somali women,” the President said.
“You even help the wounded in the hospitals, the bed sheets the wounded soldiers cover and the special oodka “nyirnyir’ cooked meat they eat to help them heal faster have all been provided by women,” he added while urging them to redouble their efforts.
The President urged the women to support and take the lead in working with the government to ensure universal elections in the country are held reiterating that the only way Somalia can develop and claim its rightful place and respect in the world is through holding elections.
“I want to urge Somali ladies to take part in the formation of political parties and to join political parties and help in the democratisation of the country through public support and campaigns and please going forward work and help one another on party bases and not clan basis, because politics is about shared values and unity,” he said.
He told the women leaders that elections and security are key priorities for his government and urged them to support him and the government in fulfilling its mandate. He reminded the women that universal elections offer them the best opportunity to be elected and to also elect leaders of their choice.
Women leaders follow a speech by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamed during an iftar dinner he hosted for women leaders at State House, Mogadishu on March 8, 2025. (Photo: Villa Somalia)
“I conclude with two key messages for you, let us unite in the fight against Al-Shabaab and also let us prepare for universal elections,” the President told the women leaders.
Challenges facing women
Despite facing significant challenges including lack of access to basic education, economic opportunities and even political participation, Somali women continue to play a pivotal role in the society. They play a big role in peacebuilding where they act as peacemakers and community leaders and are also often the main breadwinners for their families through their entrepreneurial skills.
Sahra Ahmed Mohamed, Chairlady of the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN), Somalia Chapter, who was among the invited women leaders said despite the challenges, Somali women continue to make remarkable achievements across all spheres including in education, politics and even in the business sector.
“We have come from far as Somali women. Today more than 40 percent of university students are women, and they are not only that much but they also top their classes. We have women lawyers, engineers, and top entrepreneurs and in politics we make up 19 per cent of the current parliament. Somali women continue to make a difference despite the instability, lack of resources, good government and employment opportunities,” Sahra Ahmed, AWLEN Chairlady told The Eastleigh Voice by phone.
Banaadir Region Women Leader Jawaahir Mohamed Jaama "Baarqab" welcomed the President's calls for universal election saying they support the call because it will provide women with equal opportunities to be elected compared to the current indirect elections where women face marginalisation.
"We thank the President for his encouragement to women leaders to continue supporting the fight against Al-Shabaab and liberation of the country and more importantly our support of universal election which for us provides a golden opportunity to get equal political participation opportunity. We were marginalised in the current selection process. Now we want election because it will emancipate us and give us an equal opportunity with the men to be elected," Jawaahir, told The Eastleigh Voice.
Despite their huge impact on society, Somali women still face deep-rooted gender-based violence including degrading old practices like female genital mutilations and are still marginalised in the work environment, these and many more challenges facing women have been key highlighted in this year’s IWD celebrated across the country.
Celebrated worldwide every March 8, the IWD is a day in which women's achievements are celebrated and their challenges highlighted to sensitise the public to support women's emancipation. This year’s IWD theme is “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights, Equality and Empowerment.”
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