Somali Women Lead the Way: New Policy Victory Signals a Brighter Future
In a landmark moment for gender equality, Somalia’s Puntland Regional Government announced on March 10, 2025, a groundbreaking policy: 35% of local council seats will now be reserved for women. This achievement builds on the 30% mandate we secured in 2023 through our “Women Lead” Advocacy project, proving that strategic communication can reshape societies—one policy, one voice at a time. At Horn of Africa Communication for Development Ltd, we’re proud to be at the heart of this transformation, empowering Somali women to lead and inspiring a ripple effect across the Horn of Africa.
The Roots of Change: “Women Lead” Advocacy Project
Launched in 2023 with a modest $300,000 budget, our “Women Lead” initiative—partnered with UN Women Somalia and USAID—set out to tackle Somalia’s deep-rooted gender disparities. We trained 300 women in Puntland and Somaliland in leadership, public speaking, and advocacy skills, equipping them to challenge cultural norms and influence governance. By June 2023, their efforts culminated in a historic Garowe summit, where 50 trainees presented a policy brief, backed by a 5,000-signature petition, securing the initial 30% mandate for female representation in municipal councils.
But the story didn’t end there. Since then, 195 of these women—65% of our trainees—have kept the momentum alive, launching grassroots campaigns that echo across Somalia’s arid landscapes. Last year, 15 of them spearheaded education initiatives, reaching 12,000 students—a figure that aligns with UNICEF’s 2023 report of 1.5 million Somali children enrolled but needing more support. From literacy drives in rural villages to school supply programs, these women are proving that leadership isn’t just about seats—it’s about impact.
Timeline: The Journey of "Women Lead"
Here’s how Somali women’s leadership has evolved with our support:
- January 2023: "Women Lead" launches with $300,000, training 300 women across Puntland and Somaliland in partnership with UN Women Somalia and USAID.
- June 2023: Garowe summit secures 30% female representation mandate after 50 trainees present a policy brief, backed by 5,000 signatures.
- December 2023: "Rise Up Women" radio campaign reaches 150,000 listeners, sparking a 28% rise in community support.
- July 2024: 195 women (65%) sustain advocacy, with 15 launching education initiatives for 12,000 students.
- March 10, 2025: Puntland announces 35% council seat policy, expanding on our 2023 win.
In a landmark moment for gender equality, the Puntland Regional Government has taken a significant step forward by reserving 35% of local council seats for women. This achievement is not just a policy win; it's a testament to the power of strategic communication and grassroots advocacy. With initiatives like 'Women Lead,' we are transforming societal norms and empowering Somali women to lead, inspiring a brighter future for the Horn of Africa."
- Program Lead UNICEF Somali
Achievements: Milestones of Impact
Our “Women Lead” efforts have delivered measurable victories:
- Policy Wins: Secured 30% mandate (2023) and 35% policy (2025), increasing women’s council representation from 10% in 2022 (local estimate).
- Community Reach: Engaged 150,000 people with “Rise Up Women,” with 28% more support for women’s leadership.
- Education Impact: 15 initiatives reached 12,000 students in 2024, addressing Somalia’s 63% out-of-school rate for girls (UNICEF, 2023).
- Sustained Empowerment: 195 women (65%) continue advocacy, launching 25+ campaigns since 2023.
- Cost Efficiency: $300,000 budget yielded $1,000 per trained woman, driving systemic change for thousands.
These achievements showcase how advocacy and behavior change can transform Somalia, one milestone at a time.
A Model for the Horn of Africa
This 35% policy win isn’t just a number—it’s a beacon for Somalia and the Horn of Africa. It builds on our legacy of advocacy, from securing $2.5 million for Ethiopian schools in “Education for All” (2023) to boosting vaccination rates by 25% in Eritrea’s “Health Matters” (2022). With a $300,000 budget, we’ve shown that small investments can yield big returns—here, a cost of $1,000 per trained woman sparked systemic change affecting thousands.
What’s Next?
As “Women Lead 2.0” approaches, we’re inviting partners—NGOs, governments, and communities—to join us. Want to amplify women’s voices in Somalia or beyond? Our Advocacy & Behavior Change service offers the tools: insight development, campaign design, and community engagement that deliver results. Since 2018, we’ve reached 1.2 million people across the Horn of Africa—let’s make your mission the next success story.
