On the 23^rd of October, the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed concluded a one-day visit to Mogadishu, Somalia. The visit was a joint UN-African Union solidarity mission for women in Somalia. She was joined by AU Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security, Bineta Diop, and the Special Envoy of the UN Secretary-General for the Horn of Africa, Parfait Onanga-Anyanga.

The delegation met with Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khayre, the Chairperson of the National Independent Electoral Commission (NIEC) Halima Ibrahim Ismail, the Somalia Federal Minister of Women and Human Rights Deeqa Yasin, and female civil society leaders. The focus of the discussions was on women’s participation in the upcoming elections, peace-building efforts, and the role of Somali women across different sectors in the country.

“The opportunity to hear from a diverse range of voices about the role of Somali women in different spheres of life drove home just how vibrant and engaged they are, and also how committed they are to ensuring that the role of women and gender equality is factored into all facets of life here” stated the Deputy Secretary-General.

The trip was concluded with a pledge from the Deputy Secretary-General stating that the UN would prioritize supporting women and youth in Somalia to enable them to be involved in the process of rebuilding the country.

*This article was originally posted on our previous website on 24th October 2019.