A forum on the promotion of women participation in political parties leadership was held in Mogadishu on the 26th August. Somali women are almost 50% of the population and they’ve all along played a significant role in the society. But one always wonder what makes their participation in the political sphere dismal?.
The participants were drawn from political parties, civil society organizations and women parliamentarians from both houses of Parliament.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Said Hashi Warsame, a commissioner with NIEC reminded the political parties of the tough work ahead and called upon them to carry out their roles diligently as stipulated in the political parties act.
The NIEC chairperson Ms. Halima Ismail stated that they all took an oath to defend the rights of the citizenry as laid out in the constitution.
Ms. Ismail also indicated that 54 political parties have so far been temporarily registered and that the registration process is still on going. She also stated that the registered political parties are required by law to have their main office in Mogadishu.
Ms. Ismail also noted that the recent visit by the political parties registration office to political offices for evaluation found certain political parties with no offices to operate from, terming it as an infringement of the political parties act. She indicated that action will be taken against those political parties.
Ms. Farhia Muumin, a member of Parliament who spoke at the event called upon women to undertake roles meant for the country’s rebuilding process.