Women in politics: a controversial subject.

It is easy for a man to become a political leader in a Somali community; but that path is not so simple for women. As women, your gender plays a major role in determining who can and cannot be a politician in our community. This is a barrier for every Somali women who aspires to serve the society. For cultural and religious reasons; women didn’t have an effective role in politics here in Somaliland/Somalia and don’t have the right to participate in political decision making processes.

The Somali political leadership style originated in traditional rural life where only men exercised power in decision making. As a result, psychologically women became political spectators, affecting their self-image, and discouraging them from getting involved whatsoever in political life. However, in the 21st century the world has made progress on governance and democracy and it is now widely accepted that people of all races and gender should have equal opportunities to run for political positions.

This debate seems to be more contested in some communities where women are underestimated, and their capacity for the state leadership is continuously ignored. Further, the use of negative labeling, hate speech, misogyny feminism and abuse discourages many women from effective participation in state politics.

In most Muslim countries, women are forbidden to take on the highest level of government jobs. Similarly, in Somaliland/Somalia; women are only eligible for certain political positions. This article by Sarah Shehabuddin, examines female leadership in Islam. Apart from a woman becoming president, which Islamic religion prohibits, there are many other political roles that females can even do better than men. The instigators of this debate are cultural elders and other religious men, who believe that women can’t resist political harassment. The other side of the argument is intellectuals and other knowledgeable people who believe that women can be political figures and serve their community. Their debate is based on that women are more responsible and free from any kind of corruption than men. Nowadays this is a growing subject of debate. There are some Islamic experts who support and believe female participation in state politics. This article by Abu Amina Elias shows us more about female and political involvement. 

There are a fixed number of political positions in Somaliland and federal government that can be held by Somali women. Only a few ministries and a small number of parliamentary seats are available to all women. As Shukria Dini mentioned in her paper “Due to the unavailability of a quota system and legislation that supports affirmative action, there are only 39 women in the current Parliament – constituting 14 percent, and 1 MP in Somalilnad, thus making them a minority group in this institution”. And this comes after the international community, United Nations, women’s empowerment actors and civil organizations pressured the government to give women their right to participate in political institutions.

Entrenched, traditional culture forces women to stay at home and limit themselves to family activities. Traditional elders, religious scholars and other opponents often say, "What? You are women, and women are beautiful in their homes. You can’t hold political office”. This vision is not built on knowledge. It is only motivated by the fear that women’s talent will eclipse men and eviscerate men’s job security.

It is undeniable that women have an important role to play in Somali peace building with their muscle and resources, to save their nation and children. Although the power struggle between clan lords and prolonged civil war affected women, during last twenty five years they were the only resource that the Somali community could depend on, in terms of income. Somali mothers worked under difficult conditions, which ruled out the basic rights. The prolonged circumstances forced them to work hard and earn very little money to save and teach their children. Similarly, they are the economic backbone of the Somali community, contributing their finance to peace building and community development programs.  They are taxpayers and financial resources for all families. Unfortunately, they face rights violations and immoral actions against them and became first victims of all.

The Somali/Somaliland constitution gives citizens equal rights to participate in politics; every citizen has the right to vote. Now, there is a small quota planned for women to get national council seats. And that is where this legitimate discussion begins, as women are getting more and more educated and becoming more aware of their rights- they are also becoming more aware of their roles in political affairs. Many discussions and suggestions regarding female involvement in politics are going on. Politicians, organizations, democratic scholars, cultural experts and women advocates are engaged in this dialogue.

Members of the women in councils represent all races of community; they promote child rights and speak up about social benefits while men are self-oriented politicians. They are independent of corruption and political cruelty. Women are more democratic than men and don’t join political office to promote political violence, war and dictatorship. Scholars believe that women have certain qualities that are beneficial for leadership but there is a controversial argument about women’s political participation.

This debate will continue for long time before we achieve a lasting deal. The fight for women's rights, including access to the political participation, is caught between polarized views of women in politics. Women are much concerned about succeeding in the struggle to realize their political goals.  

W/Q:- Mohamed M Jaaj.