By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
Somalia , July 14, 2026 - Somalia has renewed its push to strengthen women's rights by deepening partnerships with regional and international allies, saying collaboration will be key to delivering lasting progress on gender equality and human rights.
Speaking at the 9th Ministerial Conference on Women in Islamabad, Minister for Family Affairs and Human Rights Khadija Mohamed Al-Makhzoumi said the Federal Government is implementing legal and institutional reforms aimed at expanding opportunities for women while strengthening the country's human rights framework.
"I highlighted Somalia's progress in advancing women's rights and strengthening human rights institutions. I underscored the Federal Government of Somalia's commitment to promoting gender equality, including the establishment of the National Independent Human Rights Commission as a cornerstone of our national reform agenda," Al-Makhzoumi said.
The minister said the newly established National Independent Human Rights Commission would play a central role in protecting the rights of all Somalis, particularly women, while promoting accountability and strengthening national institutions.
Beyond the conference, Al-Makhzoumi held a series of bilateral meetings with officials from Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states and institutions, including representatives from Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bangladesh, the OIC Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC), SESRIC, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
According to the minister, the discussions focused on expanding cooperation in family development, women's empowerment, child welfare and the promotion of human rights.
"Our discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in family development, women's empowerment, child welfare, and the promotion of human rights. I look forward to translating these engagements into meaningful partnerships that advance our shared priorities through dialogue, mutual learning, and practical cooperation," she said.
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Al-Makhzoumi stressed that sustained cooperation between governments and development partners would be critical in addressing challenges affecting women and ensuring reforms deliver tangible benefits to families and communities.
She said Somalia remains committed to working with regional, Islamic and international partners to promote equality, strengthen institutions and safeguard human dignity.
The conference brought together ministers and government representatives from across the Islamic world to exchange experiences on legal reforms, institutional development and policies aimed at empowering women and improving family welfare.
Somalia has in recent years stepped up governance and human rights reforms as part of broader efforts to rebuild public institutions after decades of conflict, with the government identifying gender equality and stronger human rights protections as key pillars of its national reform agenda