Mogadishu, Somalia – The Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) has launched a new initiative to strengthen women’s participation in humanitarian response and disaster relief operations. Commissioner Mahamuud Moallim inaugurated the high-level meeting, which brought together officials from UN Women Somalia and the NGO Consortium.
The gathering emphasized the critical role women play in addressing humanitarian challenges, particularly in displacement camps and communities affected by drought, floods, and conflict. Participants discussed strategies to ensure women are not only beneficiaries of aid but also decision-makers and frontline responders in disaster management.
Commissioner Moallim noted that enhancing women’s leadership in relief efforts would lead to more inclusive and effective humanitarian outcomes. He highlighted the need for policies and programs that reflect the realities faced by women and girls, who often bear the brunt of crises.
Representatives from UN Women Somalia underscored the importance of gender-responsive planning in humanitarian action, while the NGO Consortium stressed collaboration between government agencies and civil society to ensure women’s voices are heard in shaping interventions.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to develop a framework that expands training opportunities, leadership roles, and resource access for women in humanitarian work. Stakeholders agreed that empowering women in disaster response will not only improve aid delivery but also strengthen community resilience in Somalia.