The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs of the Federal Government of Somalia, Hon. Hassan Maalim, participated in a high-level public debate organized by the Somali Women Peace and Security Centre (SWPSC) under the theme:
“The Role of Women’s Participation in Justice, Judiciary, and the One-Person-One-Vote Electoral Process.”
The event brought together legal professionals, women’s rights advocates, civil society actors, youth representatives, and members of the public to exchange views on women’s meaningful involvement in Somalia’s justice system and democratic processes.
In his remarks, Minister Hassan Maalim emphasized that justice cannot be achieved without the full participation of women in both formal institutions and community-based justice mechanisms. He underlined the constitutional and human rights obligations of the state to ensure gender equality in all sectors, especially in law enforcement, the judiciary, and electoral participation.
“Women must not only be recipients of justice, but active participants and decision-makers within the justice system. Their leadership is key to building a just, peaceful, and inclusive Somalia,” said Minister Maalim.
During the debate, participants raised important questions to the Minister on:
- The Ministry’s role in addressing gender-based violence and protecting the rights of women and girls;
- Structural reforms needed to increase female representation within courts and legal institutions;
- Efforts to ensure women’s participation in the one-person-one-vote electoral process;
- Legal and constitutional mechanisms to protect women from discrimination and social exclusion.
In response, the Minister outlined a series of reforms and initiatives being implemented by the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, including:
- The expansion of legal aid services targeting vulnerable women;
- Ongoing efforts to recruit, train, and promote female judges, lawyers, and legal officers;
- Strengthening laws that respond to sexual and gender-based violence;
- Collaboration with electoral bodies to ensure that the voices and votes of women are counted and protected in the upcoming electoral process.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to gender justice, constitutional rights, and inclusive governance, noting that Somali women have a critical role to play in shaping the country’s legal and democratic future.
The debate, facilitated by the Somali Women Peace and Security Centre (SWPSC), served as an important platform for public engagement, accountability, and policy dialogue, reinforcing the need to center women’s voices in both justice and electoral reform in Somalia.
