Somalia highlights women’s empowerment efforts at international conference in New York city

The Ministry of Women and Human Rights Development Somalia convened a high-level meeting in New York City focused on advancing the development and empowerment of Somali women, bringing together international partners and stakeholders on the sidelines of a major global women’s conference.

The meeting was jointly chaired by the Director General of the ministry, Mohamed Bashir Omar Nur, and the Deputy Permanent Representative of Sweden to the United Nations, Andreas von Uexkull. Discussions centered on strategies to strengthen the role of women in Somali society and address persistent challenges affecting their rights and participation.

The event drew participation from various governments and international organizations working on gender equality and women’s empowerment, many of whom were also attending the ongoing annual global women’s forum in New York. During the session, Somalia presented key milestones achieved in improving the status of women, while also acknowledging the challenges that remain.

In his opening remarks, Mohamed Bashir Omar Nur outlined the efforts undertaken by the Federal Government of Somalia to tackle issues affecting women, including the adoption of laws and policies aimed at safeguarding their rights and promoting inclusion. He also expressed appreciation to the international community for its continued support in advancing gender equality initiatives in the country.

Participants at the meeting commended Somalia for its ongoing efforts to improve women’s rights and empowerment, describing the forum as an important platform within the ministry’s broader strategy to enhance the role of women in governance, economic development, and social progress.

The meeting underscores Somalia’s commitment to working with global partners to promote gender equality and strengthen protections for women, as the country continues its broader efforts toward inclusive development and institutional reform.