Controversy Erupts Over Somali Delegation at UN Women’s Conference

Social media is buzzing with criticism after Somalia’s Family Minister, Gen Bashir Mohamed Jama, posted photos on X featuring himself and another male delegate at a recent UN meeting focused on women’s issues. Many, including noted Somali author and human rights activist Fathiya Absie, have expressed outrage, labeling the move as “tone-deaf” given the context of the conference.

While a senior official from the Ministry of Family and Human Development confirmed that the Somali delegation included two women—Iman Elman, a prominent military officer, and Sadia Mohammed Nur, a civil servant—neither appeared in the widely shared photographs. This absence has intensified the backlash, as critics argue it underscores the government’s failure to prioritize women’s representation in discussions that directly affect them.

The UN event, part of the Women, Peace and Security Focal Points Network, gathered 197 delegates from 57 countries, with only 21 men among them. The photos from the event, including one of Gen Jama with his adviser, former MP Abdullahi Godah Barre, have been met with ridicule and disappointment from many Somali citizens. Observers have pointed out that the decision to feature male representatives prominently reflects a broader insensitivity to women’s issues within the government.

Moreover, the controversy has reignited criticism of the Somali government’s recent rebranding of the Ministry of Women and Human Rights Development to the Ministry of Family and Human Rights Development. This shift, which occurred in July, has been seen as an erasure of women’s specific needs and struggles. Ms. Absie stated that changing the ministry’s name generalizes issues affecting women under the broader, less focused term “family.”

The plight of women in Somalia has garnered attention for years, particularly given the country’s tumultuous history marked by civil war and ongoing Islamist insurgency. Women have often taken on crucial roles in peacebuilding and have been vocal advocates for political participation, yet they remain significantly underrepresented in leadership positions. As noted by Ms. Absie, “Women were always the minority in leadership, and now they have given the remaining ministries to men.”

Supporters of the government argue that having experienced male leaders, such as Gen Jama, at the forefront can bring valuable insight to the family ministry. They contend that men can play a constructive role in advancing women’s rights. However, this perspective is increasingly challenged by advocates who insist on the necessity of stronger female representation in such discussions.

The backlash highlights a growing demand for the Somali government to take women’s issues seriously and to ensure their voices are heard in relevant forums. Critics have stressed that true progress requires more than token representation; it necessitates a commitment to elevating women’s roles in governance and decision-making.

Gen Bashir has acknowledged the need for improvement, stating that the ministry aims to provide women with more significant roles in the future. Yet, for many, this commitment must translate into concrete action and policy changes that prioritize women’s rights and representation.

As the conversation unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the broader challenges facing women’s rights in Somalia and the critical need for inclusive leadership. The response to the delegation’s composition at the UN highlights a pivotal moment for the Somali government, as citizens call for accountability and genuine advocacy for women’s issues. Only time will tell if these calls are met with the necessary changes that can empower women and foster a more equitable society.