By Naima Mohamed, a Freelance Journalist.
The recent appointments made by President Abdirahman Cirro have sparked widespread disappointment among women’s rights activists and organizations in Somaliland. Despite his electoral promises to ensure gender inclusivity in leadership, the number of women appointed to key government positions has been alarmingly low. This exclusion of women from leadership roles, if left unchecked, threatens to undermine the progress made by the women’s rights movement and stalls Somaliland’s advancement toward gender equality.
However, amidst this challenge, there remains hope. Women’s rights organizations and activists quickly mobilized, raising their voices and calling on the president to honor his commitment. Their advocacy efforts have not gone unnoticed. In response to the growing pressure, President Irro acknowledged the concerns raised addressing the limited representation of women in his administration. While this recognition is a step in the right direction, his justification for the lack of appointments—pressure from traditional elders—is deeply concerning and unacceptable.
The president’s explanation that local elders influenced his decisions does not hold up against his electoral mandate. Women played a crucial role in securing his victory, and their political engagement must be rewarded with genuine representation. Leadership is about making bold decisions, especially when it comes to advancing gender equality. President Irro had the opportunity to set a precedent by resisting regressive pressures and standing firm on his commitment to inclusivity. Instead of succumbing to traditional influences, he should have made it clear that gender balancing is not optional but a fundamental responsibility of his administration.
While we acknowledge his commitment to ensuring greater representation of women in the remaining appointments, words alone are not enough. Actions must follow. The women of Somaliland are watching closely, and they will not accept symbolic gestures. Concrete steps must be taken to rectify the imbalance and ensure that women are not only included in leadership but also given influential roles where they can shape policies and decisions that affect the nation.
Finally, I urge women’s organizations, particularly the SIHA Network, where all women organizations are united to maintain their pressure on the president and his cabinet. The struggle for women’s inclusion in decision-making and political processes cannot wane. Continuous advocacy, strategic engagement, and collective action are needed to hold the government accountable. President Irro still has the opportunity to turn his promises into reality, but time is running out. The women of Somaliland will not settle for anything less than full and equal participation in governance.
That Must Be Fulfilled
