MOGADISHU (Kaab TV) – As Somalia marks International Women’s Day, the United Nations has praised Somali women for their significant contributions to peacebuilding, reconciliation, and political stability while calling for urgent action to overcome persistent gender barriers.
“Somali women continue to contribute significantly to the peacebuilding and reconciliation efforts in the country – I congratulate them on their achievements in advancing gender equality and the full participation of women in all spheres of life,” said James Swan, the UN Acting Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Somalia.
Despite these strides, Swan warned that systemic obstacles remain a major challenge.
“However, Somali women continue to face systemic barriers and biases that make it difficult for gender equality to be achieved, and I urge Somali authorities to take swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality,” he stated.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme, ‘Accelerate Action’, highlights the urgent need for progress.
At the current rate, global gender parity will not be reached until 2158—more than five generations from today.
The UN stresses that breaking down structural barriers is crucial to ensuring women’s full participation in society.
Since its inception in 1975 by the United Nations, International Women’s Day has served as a global platform to recognize women’s social, economic, cultural, and political achievements while advocating for gender equality.