Somali Youth and Women in Leadership
By: Asma Ibrahim, Somalia
Somalia, a country located in the Horn of Africa, has been plagued by conflict for over two decades. The country has experienced political instability, economic challenges, and social unrest. In the midst of these challenges, the role of Somalia's youth in finding transformative leadership, democracy and institutional building, and peace building cannot be overstated. In this essay, I will explore the importance of youth and particularly young women engagement in the process of building a democratic and peaceful Somalia.
The youth in Somalia make up a significant portion of the population. According to the United Nations, 70% of Somalia’s population is under the age of 30. This demographic group is critical to Somalia's future as they are the ones who will inherit and shape the country's political and social landscape. The youth have a vital role to play in the building of a peaceful and democratic Somalia.
One of the ways that Somalia's youth can contribute to transformative leadership is by advocating for change and away from the current precarious situation. The youth have a unique perspective on the challenges facing Somalia, and they can use their voices to push for reforms that will benefit the country. They can leverage their energy, creativity, and enthusiasm to create a new vision for Somalia, one that is built on the principles of democracy, good governance, and accountability.
Institutional building is another area where Somalia's youth can make a significant impact. Building strong institutions is critical to the development of a democratic society. The youth can play a critical role in this process by participating in the creation and strengthening of institutions such as the judiciary, the police, and other regulatory bodies. They can also be involved in the development and consultation of policies and programs that support the growth of these institutions.
The youth in Somalia can also contribute to peace-building efforts in the country. For instance, the Somali youth have played a crucial role in resolving one of the bloodiest conflicts in Galkayo. For many decades, the recurrence of violent inter-communal conflict has plagued this city. However, the youth in Galkayo who sick and tired of the recurrence of this conflict and the displacement and destruction it caused, decided to take matters into their own hands. Through sports, book fairs and cultural forums, the youth have managed to remove the mental demarcations that separated them for decades and started to integrate. Similarly, the communities of both ends also began doing business and marrying each other This particular case in point demonstrates the significant and active role that youth can play in reconciliation, peacemaking and peacebuilding.
Somalia has experienced numerous conflicts over the years, and the youth can play a significant role in promoting peace and reconciliation. They can be involved in conflict resolution efforts and peace-building initiatives that bring together different communities in Somalia. The youth can also leverage their skills and expertise to promote intercultural dialogue and understanding, which is critical to building a peaceful and inclusive society, however, despite the active role of youth in conflict resolution and state building, one of the challenges facing Somalia's youth is the lack of opportunities for meaningful engagement in the political and social spheres. Many young people in Somalia feel marginalized and excluded from decision-making processes. This exclusion has led to frustration and disillusionment among the youth, which can lead to further instability and conflict. To address this challenge, the government and other stakeholders in Somalia must create an enabling environment for youth participation. This can be done by providing opportunities for youth engagement in decision-making processes, creating youth-led initiatives, and supporting youth led organizations.
Another challenge facing Somalia's youth is the lack of access to education and training opportunities. Education is critical to the development of human capital, and without access to quality education, Somalia's youth will continue to face significant challenges. To address this challenge, there is a need for increased investment in education and training programs that are accessible to all young people in Somalia. These programs should be designed to provide young people with the skills and knowledge they need to participate effectively in the political and social spheres.
As a young woman who grew up in Somalia, I have lived and experienced what it means to be a young woman in developing country that faced a prolonged civil war and asymmetrical gender relationships. Despite efforts to promote gender equality in Somalia, women continue to face significant challenges in participating in the country's political arena. The deeply entrenched patriarchal culture of Somali society poses the greatest obstacle to women's political empowerment. Traditional gender roles and entrenched beliefs that do not support gender equality within families and other societal structures serve as major barriers to the entry of Somali women into politics. These factors not only limit women's participation in political decision-making processes, but also inhibit their ability to fully exercise their rights and contribute to the development of their communities and the nation as a whole.
As such, it is imperative that concerted efforts be made to address these systemic barriers and promote a more inclusive political system that recognizes and values the contributions of women in Somali society.
In my view, the participation of women in politics and government is integral to the establishment and sustenance of a robust democratic process, while also serving as a catalyst for social development. Women's involvement in political decision-making is essential to ensuring that diverse perspectives are represented, and that policies and initiatives are responsive to the needs and interests of all members of society. Moreover, by providing women with equal opportunities to participate in the political sphere, barriers to their advancement are dismantled, resulting in greater gender equality and empowerment. This, in turn, leads to more inclusive and equitable societies, where the full potential of all citizens can be realized, and where progress can be made towards achieving shared development goals. In light of this, it is imperative that concerted efforts be made to promote and support women's participation in politics and government, so as to maximize the benefits that can be derived from their contributions to society.
In the spirit of equality and social progress, I loudly advocate the empowerment of young women in participating political processes and all organs of Government to unleash a new down of social progress and economic emancipation; wherein every little girl realizes her dreams and that her gender is not a barrier in running higher political offices. It is this simple creed and yet powerful civic duty that encourages me to prepare myself in a long and arduous walk of political participation to forge a new era of gender progress, equality and freedom across Somalia.
Consequently, there is no doubt that this opportunity will give me the voice, the knowledge, and the confidence to pursue any effort that can positively emancipate the Somali youth, particularly the Somali young women and girls, to realize their full potential and to take initiative of the country's regrettable state of uncertainty to a more equal, just, and democratic society that promotes the rule of law. It is with this conviction that I always work hard and seek opportunities and wise council.
(Image copyright:UNSOM)
