Deputy Head of AMISOM Hon Lydia Wanyoto has commended the government of war-torn Somalia and its citizens for their recent strides in expanding the sociopolitical space of Somali women.
Ahead of the oncoming Women’s Day celebrations, Hon Wanyoto hailed Somalia for elevating the status of women in the country as shown in the recently concluded elections.
In the elections that were heralded as largely successful, a total of 73 women compared to 210 men were elected to parliament.
This was in spite of strong resistance posed against the 30% quota policy which has been described by influential religious bodies as “non-Islamic” and against Somali values.
Hon Wanyoto during her first press address this year expressed AMISOM’s confidence that Somalia will undergo a political transition that encompasses the diversity that it is today.
“I commend Somalia for its efforts in elevating the status of women and according them an opportunity for greater political participation,” she said.
Wanyoto attributed women’s success in the last elections to the efforts of Somalia’s Ministry of Women and Human Rights Development.
She noted, “It is indeed through the Ministry of WHRD that intense lobbying and advocacy for women’s greater participation in politics started,” she said.
Wanyoto also revealed at AMISOM will be making special recognition for its female peacekeepers on this International Women’s Day for their role in fostering peace.
Some of these female peacekeepers have been involved in building the capacity of the local security while they are in administration in leadership of the Mission and many others on the frontline.