A social media backlash erupted after Somalia’s Family Minister, Gen Bashir Mohamed Jama, shared photos on X (formerly Twitter) of himself and another male delegate representing Somalia at a UN meeting on women’s issues. The images sparked criticism, with prominent Somali author and human rights activist Fathiya Absie telling the BBC that it was “tone-deaf” for the Somali government to have men leading a delegation on women’s issues.
Critics argued that this choice reflects the government’s lack of commitment to advancing women’s rights. A senior official from Somalia’s Ministry of Family and Human Development explained that the four-person Somali delegation to the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) Focal Points Network event in New York also included two women—Iman Elman, a well-known military officer, and Sadia Mohammed Nur, a civil servant. However, the women were notably absent from the widely circulated photo, fueling frustration online.
Out of the 197 delegates from 57 countries at the event, just 21 were men, highlighting the significance of male presence in a setting dedicated to women’s issues. The WPS Focal Points Network, established in 2016, encourages UN member states to participate and exchange knowledge on the women, peace, and security agenda.
The incident reignited criticism of the Somali government’s July decision to rename the Ministry of Women and Human Rights Development as the Ministry of Family and Human Rights Development. This change was controversial, as many felt it downplayed women’s specific struggles and needs by shifting the focus to the broader concept of “family.” Ms. Absie argued that removing “women” from the ministry’s name undermines the visibility and prioritization of women’s rights issues.
Women’s rights in Somalia have long faced challenges, despite their vital roles in peacebuilding and political activism within the nation. Somalia’s prolonged civil conflict and an ongoing Islamist insurgency have underscored women’s contributions to stability. However, women remain underrepresented in political leadership, a situation some say has worsened as more government positions are handed to men.
While some defend the government’s choice, noting the experience Gen Jama brings to the role, calls for a stronger female presence in leadership are growing louder. The ministry reportedly aims to expand women’s roles in future initiatives, but critics remain cautious.
