James Swan, the United Nations’ Special Envoy to Somalia, discussed the issue of the 30 percent quota for women Members of Parliament (MPs) on Monday, October 19.
UN Special Envoy Swan discussed this issue with several women leaders in the country.
Several women representatives from civil society organizations in the country also attended the discussions.
Parliamentary and local council elections are scheduled to take place in December 2020, as per the electoral agreement recently signed between the government and regional leaders.
For years, women leaders in the East African nation have demanded a 30 percent increased representation in parliament.
However, that is yet to take place despite vigorous attempts, activism, and agitation by women leaders.
Swan noted that women have an incredibly important role to play in the nation’s politics. He urged them not to relent on the push for increased representation in parliament.