Mogadishu, Somalia – The House of National Mothers, a historic building and headquarters of the Somali Women’s National Organization since the era of the country’s communist-military government, has become the center of a contentious dispute between the federal government and the Somali Women’s Organization.
Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre recently announced plans to place the building under the administration of the Ministry of Women, Family, and Human Rights Development. This decision, the Prime Minister argued, aims to revitalize and repurpose the space to better serve national priorities. However, the move has drawn fierce opposition from the Somali Women’s Organization, which claims the house as a critical symbol of women’s rights and self-determination, deeply tied to its historic mission.
Built during the socialist period under Somalia’s military government, The house of National Mothers served as the central hub for the Somali Women’s National Organization. It was a landmark institution that played a pivotal role in advancing women’s rights, promoting social welfare, and mobilizing women across the nation. For decades, it stood as a symbol of unity and empowerment for Somali women.
Following the collapse of Somalia’s central government in 1991, the house remained under the informal administration of the Somali Women’s Organization, which has continued to use it as a venue for advocacy, support, and community programs.
Opposition to Government Takeover
The Somali Women’s Organization has strongly rejected the government’s move, viewing it as an attempt to erase the institution’s historic role and undermine women’s autonomy. Batulo Sheikh Ahmed Gaballe, the chairwoman of the organization, has been vocal in her opposition.
“This house is not just a building; it represents the legacy of Somali women and their role in the country’s development,” Gaballe stated. “It was built during the era of progress for Somali women, and it remains a sanctuary and unifying space for women across the nation.”
Gaballe further criticized the government’s decision as politically motivated, accusing officials of seeking to repurpose the property for personal or bureaucratic gain. “We will not allow this. Somali women have sacrificed too much to let this historic space be misused,” she said.
Government Defends Decision
Prime Minister Hamza has defended the move, arguing that the building must be used more effectively to address national priorities. “This facility should be under the appropriate ministry to fulfill its purpose of serving the public,” he stated.
Former Minister of Women, Bashir Gobe, backed the government’s position, alleging that the Somali Women’s Organization lacks the legal structure to continue managing the property. He claimed that the group, which has evolved since its founding, no longer functions as a national organization but as an informal entity controlled by a few individuals.
“The building’s management must align with the rule of law and national interests,” Goobe said.
The dispute has highlighted broader challenges around governance, representation, and the preservation of Somalia’s historic institutions. The National Mothers’ House, once a beacon of women’s empowerment under the socialist regime, is now at the center of a struggle over its legacy and purpose.
The case has been handed to Khadiija Mohamed Makhzuumi, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, who has been tasked with mediating the conflict. However, it remains uncertain whether a resolution can be reached that satisfies both parties.
For many Somali women, The house of National Mothers is more than a building—it is a symbol of their collective identity and resilience. The outcome of this dispute will not only determine the future of the house but also reflect how Somalia balances the preservation of its history with the demands of modernization and governance.
