NASSIR Posted April 2, 2011 “Only women in power would consider the needs of women without power.” – Eleanor Roosevelt. An Open Letter by Fatthiya Duale April 1, 2010 The government of Puntland recently adopted a regional strategy to advance women in local governments. Even though women make up more than 50% of the community, they have not previously held elected or appointed local government positions. The 2011 Year of the Women in Local Governments was born in Badhan by women in the Sanaag region, Somalia, where 9 women (out of 28 members) were elected to the Regional and City Council. Moreover, there is a possibility of one more [woman's] seat to be won; one case is yet undecided in which the women council members caucus (HOOYO) are contesting. The case is still undecided by the commission headed by the Minister of Interior and Pastoral Communities who are looking at the legal rights and the expressed desire of the community, mostly women and youth. [One influential sub-clan,] one of eight bigger groups who are enjoined by the commission to elect/select one woman of their number of incoming counselors; the male elders of [this] group and their chief decided that a woman among their group is less important than a male member; therefore they insist to bring a male counselor. Unfortunately their women members do not enjoy [the right] like all others to come, voice their wishes and reject the clan order and find their own space in local politics. This pull and push situation is exacerbated by two clan elders (brothers), who also claim to be knowledgeable in Islam and have their own anti-women interpretation. They immediately started speaking against rights of women participating in decision making. Today, after Friday payer, on 25th March, 2011, the two brothers, [one of whom] is known for his extreme interpretation of Islam, have once more [set forth] serious allegations in their awaking speeches. In two different [mosques], they went separately giving Friday sermons igniting conflicts, asking and encouraging Muslims, for sure those limited in knowledge in Islam being their target; influencing praying crowds and asking the community to go against the elected women and their supporters. This is setting fire on democracy and women’s rights, a heavy blow to hard won political success and the courage of women and their supportive communities. Somali women need the world to come to the aid of the courageous women in the local Council of Badhan town. My fear: [Women less-educated] in Islam might internalize guilt that they may be going against their religion and spiritual beliefs. If the [influential sub-clan] succeeds in grabbing women’s political space for men, then others will follow suit for purely men gaining more power to keep the status-quo in place. Women tend to give up their rights if they fear conflicts might turn ugly. Female participation on local councils is a must because: Women are capable peace builders; the majority of Somali households are women-led, women are excellent communicators; women build strong working relationships; women are creative; and women contribute to increased capacity building. A just and capable society demands full participation and empowerment of all segments of its population. Women are by far the majority paying for education, food, health care, community water and sanitation, take care of livestock which is the main asset in Somalia. Women take care of the physically and mentally challenged and children… Somali women are undergoing a transition as their society grapples with lack of central institutions, lawlessness and an uncertain future. Puntland regional government with its new endorsement of election of women to local govt councils and administrations is taking certain steps in the right direction. The Badhan Council election results are a tribute to Puntland women in particular and all Somali women who are adapting to changing conditions while protecting Islam and the rights with which Islam honors women. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NASSIR Posted April 3, 2011 Source: UN Dispatch Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Somalina Posted April 3, 2011 Female participation on local councils is a must because: Women are capable peace builders; the majority of Somali households are women-led, women are excellent communicators; women build strong working relationships; women are creative; and women contribute to increased capacity building. Aint that the truth! Thank you NASSIR for sharing. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Blessed Posted April 8, 2011 Nicely done, Fathiya. All the best to my sisters in Puntland, Insha Allah. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
