SOJRA :: Somali Journalist Rights Agency

We, the assorted members of the Human Rights and Gender Working Group, comprising of local and international NGO’s, various UN Agencies (OCHA, UNDP, UNPOS, UNIFEM) the Somali Women’s Agenda movement[1] and Somali Non-State Actors (SOSCENSA[2] and PUNSA[3]), in the spirit of honoring women’s achievements and promoting their rights and participation at all levels of society declare our intent and desire to unite all partners involved in the struggle for gender equality in Somalia to commemorate those who were part of the struggle and celebrate this day.

We unanimously acknowledge the strength of unity and propose the selection of a common theme and joint activity in observing this day in order to achieve greater impact in lobbying on women’s issues in Somalia.

We acknowledge that it is not only women who can support and promote gender equity and are pleased to have the involvement of SOSCENSA and other Non-State Actors. We look forward to continued and increased partnership with any and all those involved in the promotion of peace, equality and development in Somalia.

A Task Force that was set up among the Human Rights and Gender Working Group at a meeting held on the 17^th day of February, 2009, (which comprises of representatives from UNDP, UNPOS, UNIFEM, EC, COSPE, FAO, IIDA/SWA, OCHA, ISRA, SOJRA, FAHRO, SEDHURO/ SOSCENSA) proposed to run the following activities in Somalia to commemorate the International Women’s Day, and await confirmation from SWA representatives conducting consultations in all region of the country.

[1] SWA is now a platform of women representing a constituency of over 100,000 Somali women from all over Somalia and the Diaspora with representatives from the following organizations: IIDA, YOUTH LINK SOMALIA, SSWC, HEEGAN, DIJHRO, WAWA, ALLA MAGAN, SWEA, FEPMA, HINNA, FATXI, SOMALI WOMEN DIASPORA (SWD), WAMO, CORD, DELPHIA, KALSAN, Somali women activists, Somali Women Journalists and other individuals committed to the cause.

[2] Non-state actor platform for South Central

[3] Non-state actor platform for Puntland

Women, in situations of armed conflict, are more often than not, agents of peace. The non-combative position adopted by women in such hostile environments often leaves them vulnerable to innumerable human rights violations, including systematic marginalization from decision making processes that can help prevent and eliminate further violations against them. By this, with no institutional avenue for recourse perpetrators of human rights violations against women often go unpunished.

The women of Somalia, in collaboration with the Somali Civil Society and with the support of members of the international community, have for the past 18 years been actively involved in the struggle for the peace, reconciliation and development our country.

In a commitment to eliminate the effects and realities of war on women, the overture of the UN Resolution 1325 on Women’s Peace and Security recognizes ‘the urgent need to mainstream a gender perspective into peacekeeping operations’ in order to effectively cater to the specific needs of women and children. The Resolutions initial provision urges member states to increase ‘representation of women at all levels of decision making’ in an effort to ensure that women and children’s needs are considered during the policy-making process and put into practices. This same provision also urges member states to increase ‘mechanisms for the prevention, management and resolution of conflict’[1] in order to realize peace and gender equity.

Keeping in mind all the challenges the women of Somalis continue to face, and the role the Civil Society and women organizations have played in the past 18 years of conflict, SWA and the South Central Civil Society Organization SOSCENSA along with other organizations, namely, PHRN, ISRA, SOJRA, FAHRO, NAC, Bay Women’s Development Network and MOCCDO have come together to celebrate the International Women’s Day (8^th of March, 2009). The purpose of this program is celebration will be to honor those involved in the struggle for peace reconciliation and development in Somalia, including those who lost their lives in the line of duty.

Particular Attention will be given to the contributions and achievements of women throughout the conflict, story, and the role of women and Civil Society Organizations in Somalia in conflict resolution and in providing emergency assistance and humanitarian aid to people in need.

In the spirit of honoring women’s past and current achievements and promoting their rights and participation at all levels of society, we declare our intent and desire to unite all partners involved in the struggle for gender equality in Somalia in commemorating this day.

1. To increase awareness on Governance, Transitional Justice Mechanisms and Public Policy and Administration, emphasizing the importance and particular need to ensure increased women’s participation at all decision making levels and in the Civil Society.

2. To educate the community on the Quran, particularly women’s rights as stipulated in the Quran - through the use of Quranic teachings and discussions including Friday teachings at the Mosque.

· The history of Somali women, highlighting their substantial socio-economic contribution, particularly during the war period

· Women’s rights in Islam, the intention being to demystify general misconceptions and clarify misinterpretations of the Quran regarding the rights of women

· Women’s rights as stated in International Conventions and Protocols (CEDAW and Resolution 1325)on the rights of women

4. To discuss women’s possible role and contribution in the constitution building process and analyze the Somali Charter.

5. To conduct radio broadcasts and educate the community on governance, women’s right to political participation and issues relating to women rights in the Quran.

1. To print slogans on materials and banners commemorating the International Women’s Day, at the same time promoting a respect for women’s potential and continuous contribution in society.

2. To distribute non-food items to women from the most vulnerable communities in the country such as

· Distribution of IEC Materials on the history of Somalia and Islamic Laws on Women’s Rights

3. To issue out a Press Release in commemoration of the International Women’s Day, emphasising the specific need for gender equality in Somalia.

- Improved understanding of women’s rights in Somalia and as stipulated in the Quran

- Increased knowledge of the history of Somali women, women’s rights from secular and religious perspectives, existing International Human Rights Convention and Protocols.

- Improved knowledge on the subject of Transitional Justice and the importance of women’s participation in it

- Improved knowledge on the importance of women’s participation in governance, particularly decision making, governance and participation in local institutions

SWA and SOSCENSA, together with partner organizations intend to organize a one day community based awareness raising program to be held simultaneously in the major cities of the target regions, namely; South Central: Benadir (Mogadishu), Galgaduud (Dhusamareb), Hiiraan (Beledweyne), Gedo(Beledxaawo), Lower Juba (Kismaiyo), G/Mudug (Galkayo) and Puntand (Bossasso and Garoowe), Bay (Baydhabo), Bakool (Xudug) and Middle Juba (Bu’ale).

SWA and SOSCENSA will select Community Mobilizers from its focal points or partner organizations working in the target regions involved in this initiative. These Mobilizers will be responsible for informing and encouraging members of the community to attend the awareness raising activities

Experienced and professional Facilitators, selected by SWA and SOSCENSA will be in charge of:

· Informing the beneficiaries of the importance of including women in all levels of decision making processes.

· Addressing the role of women in the process of Transitional Justice and government building

SWA and SOSCENSA in collaboration with partner organizations involved in the commemoration of the International Women’s Day will broadcast radio programs with the support of SOJRA (union of Somali Journalists) on the role of women in society and women’s rights in Somalia and the Quran, through the use of Quranic teachings and discussions. Women and governance and women’s political rights, particularly their right to participate in the countries political process will be explored.

These programs will also highlight the rights of women as stipulated in International Conventions and Protocols and the Somali Charter and Constitution.

Listening groups will be organized to discuss the content of the radio broadcasts. These listening groups will be spearheaded by Facilitators selected by SWA and SOSCENSA, together with partner organizations involved in this initiative. These listening groups will be made up of both men and women, including the youth.

The subject matter of these programs will be adapted to the political climate of each region.

II. Distribution of IEC Materials, T-shirts, Sanitary Towels and other Non Food Items

After the Awareness raising workshop, SWA and SOSCENSA, together with partner organizations will also be distributing IEC Materials and T-shirts with relevant messages and slogans to members of the community and in schools, especially to the youth. The intention of this particular initiative is to ensure that these messages, in promoting a respect for women’s potential and continuous contribution in society, continue to have a progressive impact after the one-day event.

Depending on donations in kind, SWA and SOSCENSA together with partner organizations involved in the day’s initiative will be distributing non-food items such as Sanitary Towels and cooking utensils to the most vulnerable communities and in schools, particularly to women and young girls living and IDP settlements. The Community Mobilizers will be responsible for distributing these items.