LOST GAINS:
SOMALIA’S REGRESSION FROM WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT TO SYSTEMIC OPPRESSION
Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa
The production of this Briefing Paper titled “Lost Gains: Somalia’s Regression from Women’s Empowerment to Systemic Oppression,” was supported by the KOMBOA Consortium which aims to resource and strengthen feminist resistance movements and collectives across Africa, enabling them to advance gender justice and be inclusive and resilient to the attacks from antirights movements. KOMBOA is comprised of five frontline African feminist organizations: the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF), Initiative Sankofa d’Afrique de l’Ouest (ISDAO), Purposeful, Doria Feminist Fund, and the Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA) Network.
Cover art painting: Galal Yousif Design: Marce Digital
Published: October 2024 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means without prior approval in writing from The Research Team and SIHA Network. This Paper is not a legally binding document. It is a collaborative informational and assessment document and does not reflect the views of any of the contributing partners in all its contents. Any errors are the sole responsibility of the authors.
Copyright © 2024 SIHA Network
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This Briefing Paper was prepared by Yousuf Ahmed Abid. The paper examines the trajectory of the feminist movement in Somalia, highlighting both its early successes and the growing backlash against the rights of women and girls, which has been reflected in the repeal of key protective policies and the introduction of regressive laws in recent years. Sincere gratitude goes out to the SIHA Regional Team including Hala AlKarib, the Regional Director; Faizat Badmus-Busari, the Regional Programme Manager; Sandra Nassali, the Regional Advocacy and Communications Coordinator; and Ramatoulie Jallow, the Regional Research and Advocacy Officer for their contributions and guidance throughout the process.
The Paper should be cited as follows: The Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA) Network, “Lost Gains: Somalia’s Regression from Women’s Empowerment to Systemic Oppression,” 2024.
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1. Introduction Somalia, a country now torn by decades of conflict, war, and militancy, was once a place where women enjoyed their rights more freely. Though governed by a military dictatorship after the overthrow of the civilian government in 1969, that era seems almost like a haven compared to the current oppressive conditions instilled by fragmented authorities in Somali territories. Remarkably, even during the military regime, Somali women experienced significant advancements in their rights. A key example of this progress came in 1975.This was a good year for women’s rights globally when the United Nations (UN) declared it as International Women’s Year, culminating in a landmark world conference in Mexico City that focused on the status of women. Somalia, in alignment with this global momentum, took a historic step by enacting the 1975 Family Law. This law marked a critical move toward gender equality in the country and symbolized the government’s commitment to improving the status of women, ensuring that their rights were both protected and promoted. Progress in Somalia didn’t stop there. Two years later, in 1977, the Somali government established the Somali Women’s Democratic Organization (SWDO), further solidifying its stance on women’s empowerment. This organization was created in honor of Hawo Tako, a brave female member of the anti-colonialist Somali Youth League, who was killed by Italian forces in 1948. The SWDO became a powerful symbol of the ongoing struggle for women’s rights in Somalia, representing the nation’s dedication to empowering women. It was inspired by the memory of Hawo Tako and others who had sacrificed for freedom and justice, showing that the fight for women’s rights was interwoven with Somalia’s broader quest for national independence and dignity. However, despite these promising beginnings, the feminist movement in Somalia has faced growing challenges over the years. While significant strides were made in achieving gender equality during the earlier decades, there has been profound backlash against these hard-earned gains in more recent times. This backlash has included the repeal of policies and laws designed to protect the rights of women and girls, and the introduction of laws that undermine women’s rights which will be outlined in the course of this paper. Policies once intended to uplift women and create a more equitable society have increasingly been subjected to contentious debates or, in many cases, simply shelved by policymakers. The once progressive momentum in Somalia
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has been replaced by a regressive climate where the achievements of the past are slowly being eroded, underscoring the urgent need for renewed advocacy to reclaim and protect the rights of women in the country.
2. Battling Backlash Against the equality The Somali Women’s Charter, which advocates for a 50% representation of women in political and leadership roles, has faced intense backlash from traditional and religious leaders. Despite its progressive vision of ensuring equal representation for women, the Charter has encountered fierce opposition rooted in the deeply patriarchal and conservative values that dominate Somali society. Traditional leaders, who have stood as the gatekeepers of political and social power, often see the call for gender parity as a direct challenge to their authority and cultural norms. They argue that Somalia’s clan-based system, which is mostly male-dominated, does not align with the equal representation of women. For many of these leaders, political power is a family inheritance passed from one male member to another, making the idea of women claiming half of the political seats disruptive to their control. Religious leaders, too, have played a significant role in opposing the Charter. Some have interpreted the call for 50% representation as contradicting Islamic principles, arguing that leadership roles are the natural domain of men. Many Somali religious leaders have used selective interpretations of religious texts to argue against women’s political participation. They claim that the Charter’s call for equality threatens the balance of family structures and societal roles that they believe are divinely ordained. This religious rhetoric has been particularly potent in mobilizing communities to resist the push for women’s representation, as it taps into the deep religious convictions of Somali society. The backlash has been theoretical and translated into concrete actions that have stifled women’s participation in political processes. In many cases, women who have sought political office have faced intimidation, threats, and in some instances, violence. Traditional and religious leaders wield significant influence over clan elders, who are often responsible for nominating candidates for parliamentary seats. This means that women are routinely sidelined during the nomination process, despite constitutional and legal provisions supporting their right to participate. Resistance to the Somali Women’s Charter reflects an entrenched system of male privilege that actively works to keep women out of decision-making spaces. Page ~5~