Mogadishu – On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the United Nations calls on the Federal Government of Somalia to accelerate efforts to remove legal and structural barriers that perpetuate gender inequality and to take concrete action to end harmful practices.
“Somali women and girls contribute much to Somalia’s development, but they continue to face structural inequality, such as in legal protection, economic participation, and inclusion in political and peacebuilding affairs,” said the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia, James Swan.
“Somalia must ensure that women and girls are not left behind,” he continued, “so it is essential that the Federal Government of Somalia take concrete steps to accelerate gender equality by dismantling structural barriers, ending discriminatory laws, and ensuring equal access to justice, education, and economic opportunities for every Somali woman and girl. This is an opportunity for Somalia to strengthen protection, end gender-based violence, and provide equal opportunities, all of which are essential for sustainable development,” added Mr Swan.
The theme for this year’s observance of International Women’s Day is ‘Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,’ and aims to highlight the need for addressing discriminatory laws and closing the legal gaps between men, women, boys and girls.
This year’s theme emphasises that without justice systems that work for women, rights become promises that never materialise. It further emphasises that at the current pace, it will take 286 years to close legal protection gaps for women around the world.
International Women’s Day has been observed since 1975, when the United Nations began celebrating women’s social, economic, cultural and political achievements, and calling for action to accelerate gender equality.
