Khadro Mohamed Hassan’s Victory Against Patriarchal Norms and Economic Hurdles in Puntland’s Political Sphere
Trailblazer in the Making: Khadro Mohamed Hassan’s Political Journey
GAROWE, Somalia (KAAB TV) – From the bustling city of Mogadishu to the quieter streets of Garowe, Khadro Mohamed Hassan has lived a tale of ambition and determination. Born to a thriving medical practitioner, she’s a woman of progressive ideals despite her traditional family roots. Politics, a realm often viewed as off-limits to women in Somalia, beckoned her with an unwavering allure.
Her aspirations were undeterred even after completing secondary education in 2007. While her inner circle—including a supportive partner—held the notion that politics remained a man’s world in Somalia, Khadro held fast to her dream.
Post-university studies abroad, Khadro returned to Somalia and dived into the health sector, focusing on mother and child. “My mission was to alleviate acute malnutrition affecting women and children,” she revealed in an intimate chat with Kaab TV.
Putting Her Ambitions to the Test
The dawn of 2023 came with political fervor as Puntland geared up for elections in the face of an expiring government term. Khadro seized this moment. Initially, a direct vote was proposed, but unrest in Garowe in May halted it.
Not one to be easily dissuaded, Khadro endeavored to prove herself. “The people’s needs were my flame,” she confessed. “I aimed to fulfill at least 30% of their expectations.”
However, stepping into politics required clan backing. In Puntland, the elders would choose 66 MPs to eventually select the regional president. Yet, her approach to the clan elder yielded unwelcome news.
“My clan elder refused my candidacy merely due to my gender,” she said in frustration. “He picked a male instead.”
Somali clans function through a traditional system where male elders wield the power to choose leaders, often seeing men as guardians of clan honor and assets. To them, married women like Khadro are perceived as outsiders, hence unsuitable for leadership roles.
“It’s a patriarchal tradition ingrained in Somali culture where men are seen as superior contributors,” Khadro explained. The elder’s reluctance stems from maintaining established power structures potentially challenged by women in politics.
A Pathway to Change
But Khadro’s perseverance bore fruit when Puntland resumed its much-anticipated one-person, one-vote local council elections across 36 districts, including her hometown of Garowe, in mid-2024. Grabbing this chance, she contended for a council spot.
The Horseed neighborhood buzzed with support upon the announcement of her run. “The dawn broke with folks lining up to vote,” she mused about the excitement on July 23rd.
In the political arena under the Runcad party—a determined opposition force—Khadro faced considerable hurdles. Yet some nervously anticipated that ruling party candidates might seize the Horseed position.
“We knocked on doors, forging connections till the dead of night,” she recounted. “The Horseed community’s backing was my lifeline.”
Championing causes like security, health, and education, she resonated strongly with locals, notably women and youth. In a thrilling triumph, Runcad bagged 1,431 votes, earned two city council spots, with Khadro among the victorious councilors.
“We surged like an unstoppable tide,” she beamed to Kaab TV. “The challenges? Just stepping stones in our path to victory.”
The Financial Gauntlet for Women in Politics
Despite Puntland’s male-dominated political terrain, Khadro’s story shines brightly. Generally chosen by elders, male candidates often come with the advantage of financial clout—a realm challenging for many women to contest.
Khadro keenly understands the economic plight facing female hopefuls. “Running a campaign without funds for volunteers’ meals, car hires, or meeting spaces against affluent male contenders is a tall order,” she noted.
Yet, her successful journey proves resolve and collective support can dismantle entrenched barriers, lighting the path for others to follow.
