Somalia launches 16-day campaign to combat violence against women
Somalia’s Minister of Family and Human Rights, Ambassador Khadija Mohamed Al-Makhsuumi, launched the 16-Day Campaign to Combat Violence Against Women in Mogadishu. The campaign will run nationwide, promoting awareness, legal reforms, and community engagement to protect women’s rights and ensure their safety and dignity.
Somalia’s Minister of Family and Human Rights, Ambassador Khadija Mohamed Al-Makhsuumi, officially launched the 16-Day Campaign to Combat Violence Against Women in Mogadishu today. The campaign will run for the next 16 days and will be actively implemented across the country.
The launch ceremony was attended by the Ministry’s Director General, Mohamed Bashir Omar, representatives from women’s organizations, civil society groups, and international partners.
In her opening remarks, Minister Khadija highlighted the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to prevent and respond to violence against Somali women. She emphasized the importance of sustained engagement, legal reforms, and public awareness to ensure the safety and dignity of women throughout Somalia.
Minister Khadija specifically pointed to the Ministry’s work on critical legal frameworks, including:
1. Draft legislation addressing rape and sexual offenses.
2. Draft legislation prohibiting female genital mutilation (FGM).
The Minister called on all sectors of society to actively participate in the national campaign, stressing that community engagement is vital to protecting women’s rights and creating a safer, more equitable society. She noted that the campaign would combine public awareness initiatives, community outreach, and advocacy to strengthen protection for women and promote respect for their rights.
The 16-Day Campaign to Combat Violence Against Women is part of Somalia’s broader commitment to promoting gender equality, safeguarding human rights, and building a society free from violence against women.
