By Goth Mohamed Goth
A ceremony marking the International Womens Day was on Sunday held in held at the Hargeisa University.
This year theme “An Equaled World is an Enabling World”
Among the dignitaries attending the event were the Vice President of the Republic of Somaliland H.E Andirahman Abdillahi Ismail , Hon Hinda Jama Hersi, Minister of Employment, Social and Family affairs Mr.Mohamed Yusuf , the leaders of opposition parties, the Chancellor of Hargeisa University, government officials, representatives of local and international NGOs, youth and Women Groups.
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Mr Mohamed Yusuf, the Chancellor of Hargeisa University in his opening remarks said that the University has seen an increased female which stands at 74% compared to only 4% when the learning institution was inaugurated.
Hon. Abdirashid Ibrahim , the Director General in Ministry of Employment, Social and Family Affairs speaking at the venue elaborated on the importance of the international Womens Day.
This a time to reflect on progress made, to call for change and to celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women, who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities.
Ms. Ayan H Hasaan, representing the Somaliland Non State Actor’s (Sonsaf ) said that women are now taking leading roles in every aspect of life be it in terms Politics leardership, Commerce and many more.
Ms. Ayan Hassan added that Female Students at the University of Hargeisa are now pursuing courses that were preserved for Male only e.g Engineering, Medicine and other courses.
Ms. Nafisa, representing Nagaad Women Umbrella speaking during the occasion said that although women in Somaliland have made many strides in many areas much is yet to be done such as equal female political presentation and employment
Ms. Halimo Haji, the Chairperson of Now said that the organization has since Somaliland reasserted its independence has worked tirelessly in improving the lives of women in Somaliland in terms of Gender rights, Health and Education.
Ms. Halimo urged the council of ministers and legislators to urgently approve and enact the Women Quotas and domestic violence acts which are currently tabled in the House of Representatives.
Among in attendance were the EU H.E Amassodor Nicholas Berilinga and H.E Swedish Amassodor Steve
Dr. Fadumo Hachi Iman, CARMMA Ambassador, Reduction of Maternal Mortality in Somaliland & Africa speaking during the event said that the government should do more to enhance the health of Women in Somaliland.
Hon. Abdirahman Abdilahi Mohamed “Irro”, chairman of Wadani party speaking at the International Women’s Day Celebration in Hargeisa City asked the supporters of his party to choose wisely mayor of capital and his councillors incl. Chairman said don’t choose incompetent and corrupt to the core MP in the parliament.
An increased number of women in Somaliland are becoming the Sole breadwinners in most households.
EU Ambassador H.E Nicholas Berilinga speaking at the International Womens Day Commemorations said that he was honored to be represented the EU in marking the International Womens Day.
The EU envoy further reiterated the EU support in ensuring women get the fair share in political participation and human rights.
He urged political leaders to promote oppotuninties that enhancing women’s participation in every aspect of life in Somaliland.
Halima urged the council of ministers and legislators to urgently approve and enact the Women Quotas and domestic violence acts which are currently tabled in the House of Representative’s.
He added that the government is committed in the embetterment of the lives of women in Somaliland.
Mr. Abdiaziz , the deputy Mayor of Hargeisa City Council said that women should be given more representation in the upcoming Parliementary and Local Elections..
Sahra Halgan, Somalilandborn musician speaking during the event begun by thanking Ayan who happens to be her daughter for inviting her to speak in hers first ever public event.
Sahra Halgan said that although most of the women speaking talked about women shortcomings but failed to raise their role in family and the society.
People are not judged by the colour of the skin but their deeds and culture.
The singer urged women not to depend on men only to be innovative in pursuing their goals.Not all women are politicians, not all women are businesswomen.She urged the government to safeguard and uphold womens rights at all times
Hon Saleban Ali Koore, the Minister of Information and National Guidance said that Women are the backbone of the Somaliland society.
The Minister of Information noted that women in Somaliland play an important role in the peacemaking process.
Hon Saleban Ali Koore urged Somaliland women to increase the political participation in the upcoming Parliementary and Local Elections.
Hon Hinda Jama Hersi, the Minister of Employment, Social and Family Affairs thanked all those who took part in marking the International Womens Day Commemorations
Hon Hinda Jana Hersi said, “Today, women across the world are marking this important day which highlights the plight of women across the world”,
The Minister added that the Ministry of Employment , Social and Family Affairs had since the beginning of this Month(March) hosted various forums which highlighted and brought together successful women in Somaliland to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing women in Somaliland.
Hon Hinda noted that women make up 38% of the civil service core. She noted that the government should adopt policies and laws that promote women participation in Politics and safeguard their rights.
The minister thanked President Muse Bihi and his Cabinet for approving the quota bill and urged legislators to quickly approve the law.
She further urged them to approve the Rape law which is currently awaiting approval by parliament.
The Vice President hailed the achievements attained by women in the country.
H.E Abdirahman Abdillahi Ismail “Saylici” speaking during the occasion said that women were increasingly outnumbering Men as the Breadwinners in most Households in the country.
He added that he was happy to learn that female students make up 74%
Halima urged the council of ministers and legislators to urgently approve and enact the Women Quotas and domestic violence acts which are currently tabled in the House of Representative’s.
H.E Abdirahman Abdillahi Ismail “Saylici” speaking during the occasion said that women were increasingly outnumbering Men as the Breadwinners in most Households in the country.
He added that he was happy to learn that females make up 74% of the overall student in the University.
The VP further stated that men have abandoned their role as the head of the family.He added that the government is committed in the embetterment of the lives of women in Somaliland
The VP noted that men were increasingly abandoning their role as head of the family due to drugs like Khat.Women should be given a greater say in all matters.
H.E Abdirahman Abdillahi Ismail thanked the Ministry of Employment, Social and Family Affairs, NOW, Nagaad, Local and International NGOs and the various stakeholders who are involved in promoting the Women livelihood and rights in the country.
