Somalia’s Women Minister Pushes for 30% Women, 5% Disability Quotas for South West State Elections

By Asma Abdullahi - Reporter

MOGADISHU (Dawan Africa) – Somalia’s Minister of Women and Human Rights Development Khadija Mohamed Al-Makhzoumi urged the electoral commission and political parties to fully implement the 30% quota for women and 5% quota for people with disabilities in the South West State assembly.

The minister's call follows the recent elections in South West State, which were conducted under the one-person, one-vote system. The new state assembly comprises 94 members, including 16 women (17%) and 78 men (83%), highlighting the need for strict enforcement of the legal quotas.

Minister Al-Makhzoumi emphasized that strict compliance with representation quotas is essential to promote inclusive governance, enhance political participation, and ensure that all segments of society—including women and persons with disabilities—can contribute meaningfully to leadership and decision-making.

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“The National Independent Electoral Commission and political parties must take concrete steps to uphold the quotas for women and persons with disabilities, ensuring that the principle of equitable participation is fully implemented,” the Minister said in a statement.

The Ministry noted that safeguarding these quotas is a key element in strengthening Somalia’s democratic institutions, supporting state-building, and promoting equality and social inclusion across the country.