UN Women Supports Nationwide Consultations on Somalia's Accession to CEDAW

The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) has initiated stakeholder consultations across Somalia to build public understanding and support for the country's accession to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). The consultations, which began in Mogadishu, aim to provide government institutions, civil society, and community representatives with an opportunity to discuss the Convention, the accession process, and its relevance to Somalia. This effort is supported by UN Women and the Ministry of Family and Human Rights Development.

Acting Minister and State Minister for Family and Human Rights Development Mohamed Osman Omar emphasized the importance of informed and inclusive discussions on Somalia's accession to CEDAW. He noted that these consultations could help ensure that the discussion on accession is informed and inclusive, allowing for clear information and constructive engagement across society. The consultations provide a platform for open discussion and consideration of how the accession process can support the protection of women's rights in the Somali context.

Rukaya Mohammed, Country Programme Manager of UN Women in Somalia, highlighted the significance of dialogue in understanding the Convention and the steps involved in accession. She stated that informed dialogue helps communities and institutions understand what CEDAW means and how the accession process works. The consultations create space for questions, address misconceptions, and bring different perspectives into the discussion, helping to advance the accession process.

NUSOJ Secretary-General Omar Faruk Osman outlined the objectives of the consultations, which include gathering practical recommendations to inform the next steps. He emphasized that the aim is to make sure people can engage with the issues, raise their concerns, and contribute ideas. The recommendations gathered will help shape a roadmap that reflects Somalia's realities and supports the country's commitment to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women through accession to the Convention.

The consultations involve presentations on CEDAW's principles and accession procedures, followed by facilitated discussions and group work. Participants will consider questions and concerns in relation to Somalia's constitutional framework, religious jurisprudence, and customary values. This comprehensive approach ensures that all aspects of the accession process are thoroughly discussed and understood.

The consultations are being convened by NUSOJ with support from UN Women and the Ministry of Family and Human Rights Development. The discussions aim to develop a set of recommendations for a roadmap to advance Somalia's accession to CEDAW. This collaborative effort demonstrates the commitment of stakeholders to promote women's rights and eliminate discrimination in Somalia.

The nationwide consultations will conclude with a set of recommendations that will inform the next steps in Somalia's accession to CEDAW. The outcome of these consultations is expected to contribute to a better understanding of the Convention and its implications for Somalia. The process will help ensure that the country's accession to CEDAW is informed, inclusive, and supportive of women's rights.

Key points

• The consultations aim to gather practical recommendations to inform the next steps in Somalia's accession to CEDAW.
• The process is supported by UN Women and the Ministry of Family and Human Rights Development.
• The consultations will help shape a roadmap that reflects Somalia's realities and supports the country's commitment to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women.