In recent years female rights activists have been pushing the limits and breaking barriers to have a say and voice their opinions in Parliament, something that is harshly looked down upon by the elders and clan leaders of the community.
Thinking of this as an opportunity to evoke change and demand a 30% quote, women candidates who are passionate to represent are ready to take on the challenge and run for the upcoming elections.
A perfect example of such a headstrong and dedicated lady would be Amina Mohamed Abdi who is one of the most outspoken critics in the country and was only 24 when she first decided to compete for office.
Now aged 32, this year she shall apply for a third term for which voting is scheduled to take place on the 8th of February. She shared that pursuing this path was not easy especially in a nation where war and conflict are routine, it was even harder.
However, her unwavering attitude and hard work bore the fruits of success, gaining victory against 5 other men who applied for the exact same seat and finding herself discussing important issues with her peers all of the opposite gender.
In mid-January, Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble tweeted in support of having a 30% quota reserved in both the Houses, upper and lower for female lawmakers and politicians.
Founder CEO of the Hear Woman Foundation, Deqa Abdiqasim Salad expressed her disappointment over the announcement stating since the bill hasn’t been passed this is still a suggestion of sorts and not a law-abiding policy that cannot be broken.
She added that we should have gone all out and directed all our efforts to it being written in the constitution which would have safeguarded our rights and interests.
Fawzia Yusuf Haji Adan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, commented that this is still better than nothing and symbolizes progress which is essential if we want to move forward.
Challenges are endless, the biggest not being able to accumulate enough money to pay a hefty registration fee ranging between $10,000 and $20,000, shared Adan.
Coming from a history of struggles and hardships herself, she is well aware of the hurdles yet she has hope and chooses to look at the positive side of things and encourages others to do the same.
Women are also a crucial part of society who make up the total population and deserve equal opportunity not only in the government but also in all other sectors and industries.
Only then can the nation prosper and grow to create a better and brighter tomorrow for its children and the future generation.
