MOGADISHU (Baraarug) – Picture this: in Somalia, where the whispers of the past echo more deeply than in many lands, the power corridors have traditionally been a man’s world. For over three decades, Somalia has been wrestling with conflict, leaving a scar on its social and political fabric. One might ask, in such a landscape marred by historical turmoil, why have women remained largely absent from pivotal political positions?
Despite the introduction of a 30% women’s quota, its roots have yet to anchor firmly. Why has it been more aspirational than actualized? This is the question gnawing at many thinkers today.
Engaging in animated discussions, convened by the forward-thinking collective, Baraarug, a tapestry of diverse voices came together. From vibrant youth groups to seasoned journalists, aspiring young politicians to the wisdom-laden traditional elders, the table was set for dialogue. At its heart lay a throbbing inquiry: Is it time for women to seize the reins and lead Somalia on the political stage?
It’s a curious thing when you step into the old streets of Mogadishu. The air is thick with potential and hesitation alike, every face you pass could tell a story spanning generations. Just the other day, a young woman, Sarah, recounted her ambitions with a palpable fervor. “Why not us?” she asked, eyes gleaming with possibility. Her words, full of hope, echoed a sentiment that seems to pulse beneath the surface, ready to erupt.
Yet, amidst these debates, a subset of the conversation remains. Could it be that cultural inertia is to blame? Or perhaps, it’s the shadow of Somalia’s turbulent history? When you consider these factors, it becomes clear why the narrative for women’s leadership remains a murmur rather than a roar.
Elder Abdi, a respected voice among the traditional leaders, shared a poignant reflection: “Our strength lies not in looking back at what has held us down, but in lifting our eyes towards what could bring us up. Women hold half of our sky, let them rise to meet it.” There lies an undeniable wisdom in his words, a gentle reminder that tradition need not be an iron cage, but rather a library where new chapters can be written.
On the flip side, skeptics voice cautionary tales, reminders of societal structures that could buckle under the weight of rapid change. They ask, is Somalia ready for such a paradigm shift?
Amidst this, the role of policy becomes paramount. Implementing the women’s quota is not just about counting seats; it’s about cultivating change, from grassroots advocacy to the highest political arenas. The onus is on not just policymakers, but also civil societies to break the chains of apathy and enact the envisioned inclusivity.
A vivid tapestry of stories unveil the concept that empowerment is not a zero-sum game. Each step forward invites a wealth of potential. Consider Hibo, an enterprising journalist who believes in the ripple effect of visibility. “Seeing one of our own on those stages gives us all strength,” she states with conviction, her pen ready to script stories that push boundaries.
Is it a pipe dream? Or is it a subtle foreshadowing of an inevitable evolution? The real pivot lies within the willingness to bend cultural norms that have, until now, acted as both a sanctuary and a barrier.
Baraarug’s initiative, in gathering such a rich kaleidoscope of perspectives, shines a light on the unexplored potentials of Somali politics. If history has taught us anything, it is that change often begins with a whisper, gaining momentum until it crashes onto the shores of inevitability.
What remains to be seen is whether this conversation will be a mere gust of wind or the harbinger of a coming storm of reform. As Somalia stands at this crossroads, there must be an understanding that the journey to political parity is as essential as the destination itself.
In closing, let us remember the call to action from Sarah, from Hibo, and from countless voices yearning for change. Perhaps, as Elder Abdi suggests, our collective path lies not in what is around us, but in what we dare to see above.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring
