Int’l Women’s Day celebrated in Somalia

Despite gender-based violence, International Women’s Day has been happily celebrated across war-torn Somalia on Sunday, . Speaking at a well-organized event in Mogadishu, Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud recognized the role of Somali women and their importance to the stability:” I want to recognize and honour Somali women of the past, present and future. Somali women have been strong and courageous during twenty plus years of conflict”. President Mohamud praised women in Somalia for their resilience over the last two decades of chaos. He added that he remained committed to advancing women’s cause for human rights and that their voices be heard in public and private. Female army officers staged honor guard for the president during the colorful ceremony. Women affairs and Human rights development minister Sahro Mohamed Ali Samatar who addressed event participants on the challenges facing Somalia women, unveiled that they will concrete on promoting the role of women. Meanwhile in Puntland capital of Garowe, President Abdiweli Mohamed Ali attended an event marking March 8th at Puntland State University building. Topics discussed during the commemoration included tackling violence against women, improving access to education for girls and the role of women in decision making process. Puntland women development and family affairs Minister, Anisa Abdulkadir Haji Mumin indicated that the ministry is working on gender equality bill which would be put forward to the cabinet and parliament in the near future. President Ali once again reiterated that he will champion the rights of women. Similar celebrations in support of the International Women’s Day have been held in Hargeisa, Bossaso, Gardo, Galkayo, Baran and Buuhoodle.