A forum to discuss the constitution review process and advancing women quotas and gender equality was held in Mogadishu on 14th September.
It was co hosted by NIEC and the Ministry of Constitutional affairs.
It was meant to discuss promotion of women in the political sphere.
The participants to this forum were drawn from political parties, Civil society organizations, MPs from both houses of Parliament and officials from both the electoral commission and the Ministry of Constitution affairs.
In her opening remarks, NIEC chairperson Ms. Halima Ismail gave an update of women’s participation in politics through the years and their notable achievements. She noted that women’s current representation in parliament which stands at 24% came through hard work.
Ms. Ismail stressed on the need to have quotas to boost the number of female MPs and ensure gender balance be clearly spelled out in the constitution and other laws.
She also stated that women quotas be included in the pending electoral law and the constitution review process.
Minister for constitution affairs Mr. Salah Ahmed Jama who also spoke at the event there’s need for laws stipulating women’s quota and their representation in the constitution review.