Somalia's Sadia Nur elected new IGAD Director
By Rachael Mutabasi |
Sadiya said that the forum was a tool of change and she hopes to inspire Somali women and others in the region to lead boldly.
Somalia's Sadia Mohamed Nur has been elected as the Director of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Women's Peace and Security Forum (IWPSF), a platform focused on promoting peace and empowering women in the Horn of Africa.
The election, finalised on Wednesday, December 4, in Mombasa, saw Sadia secure the position following the withdrawal of South Sudanese candidate Amer Manyok Deng, who assumed the role of Vice Chairperson.
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"This is more than a personal victory; it's a testament to Somalia's leadership readiness. My vision for peace and integration resonated with the committee, affirming our capability to take on this responsibility," Sadia told the BBC.
This milestone amplifies Somalia's voice in regional affairs and symbolizes the empowerment of women in leadership roles across East Africa.
The IGAD Women's Peace and Security Forum, established in 2013, aims to foster peacebuilding, gender equality, and social cohesion in one of the world's most volatile regions.
Comprising representatives from governments, legislatures, and civil society, the forum provides a unique space for collaboration among women leaders.
Her leadership comes at a crucial time as IGAD works to address complex challenges around peace and gender equity in the region.
Sadia's appointment positions Somalia as a key player in shaping regional strategies for peace, security, and women's empowerment.
This marks a historic and proud achievement for Somalia, showcasing the country's growing influence and commitment to regional leadership in peace and security.
In an interview with BBC, Sadia said that the forum was a tool of change and she hopes to inspire Somali women and others in the region to lead boldly. Sadia highlighted the opportunity as a turning point for Somali women to demonstrate leadership on the international stage.
"We emphasised the importance of peace and women's role in uniting communities. This platform isn't just about Somalia; it's about creating opportunities for all women in the Horn of Africa," Sadia said.
Fresh ideas
Her campaign focused on Somalia's recent progress in stabilisation and her vision to bring fresh, innovative leadership to the IGAD Women, Peace, and Security Forum.
While progress has been made, women leaders in Africa still face significant challenges, such as societal resistance, lack of access to resources, and gender-based discrimination.
As Director, Sadia plans to prioritise three core areas: empowering women across IGAD member states, advancing regional peace efforts, and fostering social integration. She stressed the importance of collaborative efforts to tackle the challenges faced by women in conflict-affected regions.
The newly elected leadership team also includes Dora Byamukama of Uganda as Secretary.
The Somali Ministry of Family Affairs applauded the election results, commending the team's dedication to driving the IWPSF's mission forward.
The team will serve a three-year term, during which they aim to implement a robust action plan focusing on development, security, and social cohesion.
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