Somalia minister urges women to back electoral reform and protect political quota
Baidoa, Somalia – Khadija Mohamed Al-Makhzoumi, Somalia’s Minister of Family and Human Rights Development, has called on Somali women to play a leading role in supporting the transition to a one-person-one-vote electoral system and safeguarding women’s political representation.
Speaking to a gathering of women in Baidoa, the minister emphasised that inclusive participation is critical to strengthening democratic governance in Somalia.
Focus on women’s political participation
Al-Makhzoumi highlighted the importance of maintaining and protecting the women’s quota in parliament, describing it as a vital mechanism for ensuring gender inclusion in decision-making processes.
She urged women to actively engage in political processes and advocate for their rights as Somalia advances towards broader electoral reforms.
“Women must not only participate but also lead in shaping the future of Somalia’s democratic system,” she said.
Push for one-person-one-vote elections
The minister underscored the significance of transitioning to a one-person-one-vote system, a key reform aimed at replacing Somalia’s indirect electoral model.
She noted that such a system would:
Enhance accountability
Strengthen public trust in governance
Expand opportunities for wider citizen participation
Women, she added, have a crucial role to play in ensuring that the electoral process remains inclusive and representative.
Engagement in Baidoa
The meeting in Baidoa brought together women from different sectors, including community leaders, civil society representatives and youth groups.
Discussions focused on:
Political inclusion
Civic awareness
The role of women in peacebuilding and governance
Participants also shared perspectives on the challenges facing women in politics and the need for sustained advocacy.
Conclusion
The call by Khadija Mohamed Al-Makhzoumi highlights growing efforts to advance electoral reform and gender inclusion in Somalia. As the country moves towards universal suffrage, women’s participation is expected to remain central to shaping a more inclusive political future.
