MOGADISHU — The Director General of the Ministry of Interior, Federal Affairs and Reconciliation, Abdulkadir Ilmi, has joined a high-level discussion on the contribution of Somali women to state-building, peace efforts, and national development.
The gathering brought together the United Kingdom Ambassador to Somalia, Charles King, and the European Union Ambassador to Somalia, Francesca Di Mauro. Attendees also included representatives from women’s groups, local administrations, and other development partners.
Director General Highlights Women’s Role in Society
In his statement, the Director General highlighted 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.
Abdulkadir additionally stressed the importance of inclusive policies that foster the empowerment and skill enhancement of Somali women, while tackling the cultural and economic obstacles they encounter, to guarantee complete involvement and social fairness.
“The Ministry remains dedicated to boosting women’s involvement across all governance levels by building on existing advancements and coordinating with national priorities,” the Director General concluded.
UK Commitment to Women’s Empowerment
Ambassador Charles King has consistently demonstrated the United Kingdom’s commitment to empowering marginalized groups in Somalia. The UK Embassy in Mogadishu recently hosted Amal Abdullahi Ahmed, a young visually impaired Somali activist, through the “Ambassador for a Day” program, which immerses emerging leaders in diplomatic activities [citation:5].
During that event, Ambassador King reinforced the UK’s resolve to embed inclusion within its Somalia operations, stating that “Somalia’s future must include all its citizens” [citation:5].
EU Support for Gender Equality
Ambassador Francesca Di Mauro has been actively engaged in promoting inclusive development across Somalia. The EU Ambassador attended the annual Jumuiya MSME Trade Fair in Nairobi, where 28 Somali entrepreneurs — mostly youth and women-led business owners — showcased their innovations in agribusiness and technology, reaffirming Europe’s commitment to fostering inclusive growth and entrepreneurship in the Horn of Africa nation [citation:9].
The EU has also reinforced its security partnership with Somalia, with Ambassador Di Mauro attending high-level discussions between Defense Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi and the Chairman of the European Union Military Committee, focusing on strengthening the Somali National Army and maintaining global backing for current security operations [citation:3].
International Initiatives Empowering Somali Women
The discussion aligns with broader international efforts to support Somali women. The Japan-backed Leadership, Empowerment, Access, and Protection (LEAP) project has reached more than 440 women and girls across Somalia, providing leadership training, protection services, livelihood opportunities, and access to safe spaces for psychosocial support and legal assistance [citation:7].
In Kismayo, 470 women are currently benefiting from literacy and numeracy training through a Germany-Somalia partnership, equipping them with essential skills to strengthen their businesses and improve household livelihoods [citation:10].
Ministry’s Commitment to Women’s Inclusion
The Ministry of Interior’s focus on women’s empowerment complements efforts by other government institutions. The Ministry of Family and Human Rights Development recently convened a senior-level meeting with UN Women officials, renewing their joint dedication to promoting women’s empowerment and gender equality throughout Somalia [citation:4].
Minister Khadija Mohamed Al-Makhzoumi led the Somali side in discussions focused on intensifying collaboration to expand current and new gender initiatives, such as those enhancing women’s involvement, safeguards, and economic empowerment [citation:4].
The gathering on Somali women’s contribution to state-building reflects growing recognition among international partners and government institutions that women’s full participation is essential to achieving lasting peace, stability, and development in Somalia.
