2.3.2025

Empowering women to lead change in Somali communities

Somali women marched ahead in politics, education, and social activism in the early post-independence period, advocating for gender equality and policy reforms. But decades of political strife and instability erased much of that achievement, limiting women’s access to leadership roles.

SOMALIA BOASTS a long and rich history of women’s leadership. From Hawo Tako, the anti-colonial resistance icon, to the brief ministerial positions of women in government. And yet Somali women have consistently had difficulty finding their seats at the negotiating table.

Despite all frustrations, Somali women have been found to be strong. A breakthrough happened during the 2000 Arta Peace Conference held in Djibouti, ensuring women had official representation in Somali leadership. Since then, women have made advances by winning parliamentary seats and engaging in leadership capacities for peacebuilding and reconciliation. But women continue to face institutionalized barriers in political participation despite all these advances.

A quiet revolution is taking place in Hirshabelle, Somalia. Women are stepping into leadership roles, breaking through systemic barriers, and proving that inclusive governance can bring tangible benefits to their communities. Supported by FCA Somalia with funding from the Somali Stability Fund, this initiative is helping women take practical steps to address local challenges and foster peace.

One these confident women is Madino Adow, a newly elected member of the Jowhar district council. She stands at a critical crossroad: on the one side, hopes of those who believe in her; on the other, the skepticism of those who who doubt women’s leadership. But she remains determined:

“As a new female councilor, we have a massive responsibility. Many look to us for guidance while others want to see us fail and use that as an excuse for never voting for female councilors again. But most, especially women and children, do want to do something to end their problems. So, we needed this kind of capacity-building to allow us to respond to the priority needs that confront us.”

A group of women in a conference room sit in chairs arranged in a circle listening to a man at a desk talking.

FCA providing training in Jowhar on well-being and resilience for women who sit on their local District Council or are instrumental in their local peace efforts.

Clearing the Path to Leadership

Women leaders in Hirshabelle district councils face long-standing challenges, including ingrained clan-based conflicts, social conventions that restrict their influence, and security concerns that make participation in governance unsafe. Even though women now make up 23% of district council seats, there are still many obstacles to overcome.

FCA’s work focuses on addressing these issues. Through targeted training and support, women receive the necessary tools and assistance to effectively engage in governance, advocate for their communities, and negotiate the nuances of local politics. This initiative is in line with the Wadajir National Framework, which provides guidance for inclusive government in Somalia, including how to enhance the roles of women in governance.

One example of this effort was a Leadership, Advocacy, and Conflict Resolution training session, held in January 2025 in Jowhar. This training equipped three women councilors and 10 peace mothers with essential governance skills, enabling them to take more active roles in decision-making processes. 85% of participants reported that they had increased confidence, improved mediation skills, and a stronger commitment to forming advocacy networks to push for gender-sensitive policies.

“Women have a soft spot in their heart for peace. We are active in governance and reconciliation efforts, yet our impact increases when we are trained and empowered. The last leadership and advocacy training gave us the confidence to serve and advocate and now coming together strengthens our mission. A united and well-equipped women leaders’ network can drive real change,” said Falis Ahmed, a councilor from Galkayo.

Building Bridges in Jowhar and Warsheikh

Meetings give women the opportunity to transform their ideas into tactics that are effective in their local situations, serving as both a forum for discussion and a platform for action. As Farhiya Abdi Shire, a councilor from Abudwak put it, the training session in Jowhar was a “space to connect”:

A woman in a yellow hijab sits at a table and looks directly into the camera. — Farhiyo Abdi Shire, a councilor from Abudwak district, Galmudug state of Somalia.

“We are very happy to come to Galkayo and interact with our fellow women leaders. That is a milestone in itself. As women leaders in Galmudug, our contributions to peace and community building are undeniable, yet our integration and networking have been missing. This training provided us the space to connect, share experiences, and strengthen our collective role in peace and governance. This is a sign for peace.”

Events like this in Jowhar and Warsheikh included women councilors, so-called ‘Peace Mothers’, and influential community actors. Issues included specific steps to improve women’s participation in government and policy, such as:

Highlighting Barriers: participants openly shared cultural and institutional barriers, opening the door for targeted solutions.
Building Connections: women leaders shared experiences and built networks to support each other in their governance roles.
Igniting Local Activism: ground-level solutions for pushing inclusive decision-making and community problems forward were collaboratively developed.

A woman in a brown patterned hijab sits at a table and studies her notes

Suldamo Ali is a member of Abudwak District Council from Galmudug State, Somalia. She emphasises the importance of mental health in being a peacebuilder.

Recognising the role of ‘Peace Mothers‘

In many Somali communities, so-called ‘Peace Mothers’ play a vital role in resolving conflicts and promoting stability. These women, trusted for their deep local knowledge and impartiality, have long worked behind the scenes to mediate disputes and build consensus. Yet, their contributions often go unrecognised.

Suldamo Ali, a councilor from Abudwak, underscores the critical link between the well-being of leaders and the health of the communities they serve, emphasising the importance of mental health support in sustaining peacebuilding efforts.

“For years, I carried the weight of others’ trauma without realizing its toll on me. This training helped me recognise the importance of mental well-being. A healthy leader is vital for a healthy society.”

FCA’s initiative shines a spotlight on these women, offering them tailored training and mental health support to strengthen their resilience and effectiveness. By supporting peace mothers, the project not only acknowledges their work but also enhances their capacity to lead in challenging environments.

Peace Mothers’ steady commitment and deep local knowledge play a vital role in creating safe and supportive environments for everyone. As Halimo, a respected peace mother from Galkayo, expressed after our training session:

“The training ended while we still craved for more. Just like someone thirsty needs water, this knowledge is something we desperately need to continue our work effectively.”

Strengthening Capacity Through Peer Networks

As the initiative progresses, FCA is fostering peer-to-peer engagement among women leaders. Using modules from the United Nations Joint Program on Local Governance (UNJPLG), training sessions have been designed to:

Strengthen the capacity of women’s networks to train others in leadership, advocacy, and policy influence.
Provide practical knowledge in peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and decision-making processes.
Promote women’s active engagement in governance by equipping them with the skills to advocate for policy change and inclusion.

A recent Technical Capacity Building training session held in Jowhar brought together 50 women leaders, peace activists, and local representatives to enhance their governance capabilities. The training provided strategies for leadership development, peacebuilding, and advocacy, emphasising hands-on learning and peer support networks.

“This was not just another training. it was unique and practical and deeply impactful. We arrived here unaware of many things which we now know are very important. I personally learned how to manage stress and trauma that affect women in leadership. We also learnt self-care techniques such as deep breathing, taking walks and eating healthy. We also learnt how to cope with rejection, societal perceptions and failure, turning them into lessons for growth,” says Muhubo Yusuf, former aspirant to Abudwak District Council.

Two women sit at a table. They are holding pens and notebooks. — Capacity building training for women councilors and ‘Peace Mothers’ during a session in Jowhar, Hirshable State, Somalia.

Making progress one step at a time

The ambitions of Somali women leaders go far beyond local governance. Maryama Sheikh, a councilor from Galkayo, shared her vision:

“Compared to where we started, we have gained invaluable knowledge in trainings. But our journey does not stop here. After the district councils we want to aspire to join the state parliaments and eventually to the federal parliament. This training is another step toward realizing those ambitions.”

This initiative is not about sweeping transformations but about practical, sustainable progress. By enabling women to take on greater roles in governance, strengthening their networks, and equipping them with the skills to mediate and lead, FCA is driving incremental yet meaningful change. Key outcomes include:

Greater representation of women in decision-making processes, ensuring diverse perspectives shape community priorities.
Stronger networks of collaboration and mutual support among women leaders.
Enhanced capacity of peace mothers to foster stability and address local disputes effectively.

A large number of women sit at tables with notebooks, pens and water bootles in a meeting room. They are listening to someone off-camera speaking. On the wall is a banner with the logos of FCA, the Somali Ministry of Interior and the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. — Capacity building training on women’s participation in governance and peacebuilding process for women councilors and peace mothers in Jowhar, Hirshabelle State, Somalia

Looking Ahead

The efforts in Jowhar, WarSheikh, Galkayo, Abudwak and across Somalia are setting a precedent for what inclusive governance can achieve. With determination, these women are demonstrating that meaningful change comes from collective action and practical solutions. By focusing on local issues and building from the ground up, they are laying the foundation for a more equitable and peaceful future in Somalia.

The progress in these districts proves that when women lead, communities thrive. Sustaining this momentum requires ongoing collaboration from local leaders, policymakers, and communities. By fostering inclusive governance and strengthening women’s networks, we can ensure lasting change, says FCA Somalia Country Director, Piya Itkonen:

“Empowering women to lead change in Somali communities isn’t just our vision—it’s our commitment. When women step into leadership, they don’t just transform their own futures; they strengthen governance, drive peace, and uplift entire communities. Having worked in Somalia for many years, I have seen firsthand the resilience and leadership of Somali women. By investing in their voices and influence, we are building a more inclusive and peaceful future.”

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