Somalia’s Women’s Development Department Invests in Leadership Skills for Inclusive Governance

MOGADISHU – The Director of the Women’s Development Department at the Ministry of Family and Human Rights Development, Saadiya Mohamed Nur, has officially opened a three-day training programme aimed at strengthening women’s leadership, enhancing policy advocacy skills, and promoting inclusive participation in development and decision-making processes.

The training, which is being jointly implemented by the Ministry of Family and Human Rights Development and ADRA Somalia, brought together representatives from the Office of the Prime Minister, civil society organisations, women’s groups, youth organisations, organisations representing persons with disabilities, and delegates from various segments of society. The programme focuses on developing women’s leadership, building evidence-based policy advocacy skills, and strengthening community participation to achieve inclusive governance, social justice, and economic empowerment for Somali women.

Building Women’s Leadership and Advocacy Capacity

Saadiya Mohamed Nur urged participants to make full use of this learning opportunity and to apply the knowledge and skills they gain to community development, the defence of women’s rights, and the promotion of inclusive leadership across the country.

The training comes as Somalia continues to make significant strides in advancing women’s political participation and legal protections. A mandatory 30 per cent women’s quota has been integrated into both the Electoral Law and the Political Parties Law, a historic structural move toward ensuring inclusive, nationwide political engagement. The government has also launched the second phase of the Women’s Peace and Protection Joint Programme (WPP-II), a two-year initiative supported by the United Nations that concentrates on broadening women’s involvement in leadership and decision-making processes.

Strengthening Partnerships for Women’s Empowerment

The collaboration with ADRA Somalia reflects the ministry’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with humanitarian and development organisations. The Ministry of Family and Human Rights Development has previously convened senior-level meetings with UN Women officials, renewing their joint dedication to promoting women’s empowerment and gender equality throughout Somalia. Talks have focused on intensifying collaboration to expand current and new gender initiatives, such as those enhancing women’s involvement, safeguards, and economic empowerment.

The ministry has also been actively engaging with local women’s organisations across the country. In April 2026, Minister Khadija Mohamed Al-Makhzoumi convened a high-level consultative session in Baidoa, engaging directly with local women’s organisations to comprehensively examine the current status of women in Southwest State, addressing emerging opportunities, systemic challenges, and prevailing socio-economic pressures.

A Broader Commitment to Women’s Development

The training programme is part of a broader national effort to empower Somali women across various sectors. Ten women journalists representing Somalia’s Federal Member States recently concluded an intensive 10-day training in Mogadishu aimed at strengthening women’s leadership in journalism and enhancing reporting skills in a rapidly evolving digital media environment. The programme was spearheaded by Bilan Media, Somalia’s pioneering all-women media team, and supported by UNDP Somalia.

The Ministry of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation has also emphasised the crucial role of Somali women in nation-building and progress, with Director General Abdulkadir Ilmi highlighting that Somali women form the foundation of society and play a substantial role in preserving stability, engaging in political processes, and promoting the nation’s overall advancement.

Way Forward

The Ministry of Family and Human Rights Development continues to strengthen its efforts to develop women’s capacities, protect and uphold human rights, and build a Somali society founded on equality, inclusive participation, and sustainable development. The three-day training programme represents another step toward achieving these goals, equipping participants with the skills and knowledge needed to lead effectively and advocate for policies that benefit all Somalis.