By Mohamed Abdi - Reporter
MOGADISHU (Dawan) – July 27, 2026 – Somalia has launched the second phase of the Women, Peace and Protection Joint Programme (WPP-II), an initiative to strengthen women’s leadership and participation in peacebuilding and protect their rights, the Ministry of Family and Human Rights Development said.
Minister of Family and Human Rights Development, Ambassador Khadija Mohamed Al-Makhzoumi, chaired the first meeting of the WPP-II Steering Committee, which brought together representatives from United Nations agencies, federal member states, development partners and civil society organisations.
The meeting focused on strengthening leadership, accountability and coordination in implementing the programme. Participants also approved the committee’s terms of reference and the overall work plan for the initiative.
The Director General of the Ministry, Mohamed Bashir Omar, presented the structure and objectives of WPP-II, noting that the programme aligns with Somalia’s national priorities, the National Transformation Plan 2025–2029, and the United Nations Women, Peace and Security agenda under UN Security Council Resolution 1325.
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The 24-month programme will be implemented in Banadir Region and the federal member states of Jubaland, South West State, Hirshabelle, Puntland, Galmudug and North East State.
Funded by the UN Somalia Joint Fund, the programme will be jointly implemented by the Ministry of Family and Human Rights Development, UN Women, UNDP and UNTMIS.
The ministry said WPP-II is part of broader efforts to increase women’s participation in peace processes, leadership positions and national decision-making.