Somaliland:A Debate to mark International Women's Day

Written by Qaran news
Mar 08, 2008 at 02:07 AM



Hargeisa.(QARAN)-

The Somaliland Minister of Family and Social Development, Marwo Fadumo Sudi Hasan participated in a debate held at the Imperial Hotel in Hargeisa to discuss the role of women in the Somaliland political, economic and social arenas.

The debate which was organised by the ministry was held to commemorate International Women's Day on March 8th.

The participants of the debate included, Marwo Baar Saeed who is a member of the Somaliland parliament, Marwo Shukri Haji Ismail Bandare, a former member of the Somaliland Elections Commission and members of the Somaliland youth umbrella group, Sonyo, as well as, other members of the general public.

During the opening ceremony, Marwo Fadumo Sudi gave a brief speech to highlight the importance of the International Women's Day and the role the women of Somaliland play in the development of the country.

Marwo Fadumo Sudi stated that the women of Somaliland are the backbone of the nation in terms of economic and social development, "I want everyone to know, and we must be clear about this, Somaliland women contribute to more than 80% of the family income, through small business endeavours which are the foundation of both the family and subsequently the country" declared the minister.

"The women of Somaliland can achieve even more with educational and social support, and I urge both the Somaliland government and the indigenous agencies to play a more significant role in these areas" stated, Marwo Fadumo Sudi, the Somaliland minister of Family and Social Development.

Meanwhile, Marwo Baar Saeed remarked on the experiences of Somaliland women during the last parliamentary elections.

"The most difficult obstacle we faced at the last parliamentary elections was due to the cultural practices in our society. Because, neither the communities of our birth, nor of marriage, were receptive to the idea of female candidates" stated Representative, Marwo Baar Saeed.

Marwo Baar Saeed proposed in her remarks that Somaliland women became more involved in the political arena and called for the people of Somaliland to offer their support to prospective female candidates.

On her part, Marwo Shukri Haji Ismail called upon the lawmakers in the Somaliland parliament to pave the way for more female candidates by applying a non-gender based criteria for selecting prospective parliamentary candidates in future elections.

Marwo Shukri Haji Ismail also described her experience as the only female members of the previous National Elections Commission, an experience which she described as fulfilling.

Marwo Shukri Haji Ismail paid tribute to her former colleagues at the Elections Commission for creating a professional atmosphere, but warned that "unless more was done to further the cause of female candidates, women in Somaliland may forced to take drastic actions, such as withholding taxes and participating in other civil protests"

At the conclusion of the debate, the Director-General of the Family and Social Development ministry, Mudane Ahmed Hasan Yusuf gave a report of the efforts of the department to further the social development agenda in the country with the particular emphasis on family development and creating more opportunites for girls in Somaliland schools and universities.

Other speakers at the debate included, Marwo Kaltun Abdillahi Elmi from Now, Mohamed Yusuf Aw Ali from Sonyo and several other dignitaries.

Omar Mohamed Farah
Qarannews
Hargeisa