Prime Minister Barre Rallies Women for Greater Role in Elections and Nation-Building

Mogadishu, July 9, 2025 (Somali Elects) — Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre convened a landmark consultative forum on Tuesday with hundreds of women from Mogadishu to spotlight their central role in shaping Somalia’s democratic future. The high-level gathering focused on enhancing women’s involvement in elections, governance, and constitutional reform as Somalia moves toward a more representative political system.

Held under the theme “Defense and Elections”, the event aimed to position women not only as voters but as leaders and defenders of democratic governance. Prime Minister Hamza emphasized the government’s commitment to safeguarding the right of every Somali citizen—especially women—to vote and run for office in an inclusive, fair system.

“There can be no real nation-building without the full participation of Somali women,” Barre declared. “They are the backbone of reconciliation, peace, and security—and must be equally represented in our political institutions.”

The forum was organized by the Somali Women’s Center for Security and Peace, and brought together top officials including the Ministers of Women and Human Rights, Justice and Constitutional Affairs, members of parliament, and civil society leaders. Together, they stressed the importance of embedding gender equity into the upcoming elections and ensuring constitutional guarantees are upheld.

Barre also connected women’s empowerment to the broader fight against terrorism, saying Somalia cannot defeat extremist threats like al-Shabab (“Khawarij”) without uniting the entire society—including its women—behind a shared national vision.

As Somalia prepares for its next electoral phase, forums like this underscore a growing push to elevate women's leadership and protect democratic rights, laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and resilient state.