Batulo Gabballe Criticises Government Plan to Repurpose Somali Women’s Organisation HQ

[Deeq A.]

1977 issue of Himilo, the journal of Somali Women Democratic Organisation.

Mogadishu (PP News Desk) — Batulo Sheikh Ahmed Gabballe, the former Chairwoman of the Somali Women’s Organisation, yesterday denounced a plan by the Federal Government of Somalia to hand over the headquarters of the organisation to businesses.

Before 1991, the building known as Sarta Hooyooyinka (The Mothers’ Building), which is opposite the National Theatre, housed offices, bars, retail units, and a cinema.

“I was working for the Somali Women Democratic Organisation when the headquarters was built. Somali women across the country requested a dedicated headquarters and raised money through artistic troupes, football matches, and personal contributions for the construction of the building,” Batulo said.

Batulo Sheikh Ahmed Gabballe: ”Somali women united to fund and build the headquarters through artistic troupes, football matches and personal contributions.”

Batulo stated that the attempt to take over the women’s association headquarters began after the appointment of Bashir Mohamed Jama (Bashi Goobbe) as the Minister of Families. “Bashir, who knows a thing or two about how to disinherit people, is partly responsible for this because he had an agenda. He knew the Somali Women’s Organisation is an unarmed entity, so he decided to push it aside and treat it as if it has no history. He will not achieve that goal. Somali women and their organisation do not deserve to be marginalised,” added Batulo.

Bashir Mohamed Jama: “I decided that the Women’s Organisation building should become the headquarters of the Ministry of Family and Human Rights.”

The Mothers’ Building is located in the heart of central Mogadishu, in the Hamarweyne district. Businessmen close to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud are alleged to be interested in purchasing the three-storey building.

On 5 January, Bashir, now the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, handed over ministerial responsibilities to Khadija Al Makhzumi. “I decided that the Women’s Organisation building should become the headquarters of the Ministry of Family and Human Rights,” he said.        

© Puntland Post, 2025

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