Somalilandsun: Despite being main supporters of, and voters for ruling party, women in Somaliland have been marginalized by the Kulmiye administration of president Bihi.
“Although you have not been apportioned your rightful share of public service positions at neither national , regional or local levels , I still take this opportunity to thank you for continued support to our party and government”
The thanks were proffered by President Muse Bihi Abdi during a meeting with Kulmiye women wing at the party’s headquarters in Hargeisa where for the first time,the head of state addressed the subject of why women, who played a major role in the Kulmiye election campaign, failed to hold a number of positions in his government.
The president who visited the KULMIYE party headquarters in Hargeisa had a candid exchange of views with members of the Kulmiye party women wing and answered many questions including why women played a positive role in the election campaign but faired dismally inuin securing proportionate positions in government they helped bring to office.
Addressing the women party faithfuls the President said, “It is an honor for me and my fellow ministers to come to the KULMIYE party headquarters and meet with the members of its women wing who have been the backbone of the party. We know that the hardships you have suffered during the election campaign and the work you have done as a woman have been the most we have witnessed. ”
Adding that “If you ask us what the status of women is in government positions, we will answer that they have received the least. Are these two compatible? that is your support and subsequent share
“I definitely say no, but this is as per prevalent status in the country and we are working tirelessly to ensure that gender balance is attained in Somaliland, sooner rather than late” said the president adding that this anomaly is not related to islamic tenets as some would translate it.
Giving Bangladesh which is usually led by a women prime minister and Pakistan similarly led by a women at time, both Muslim countries as examples the president said “Our religion, Islam, does not forbid women from holding public office” as he stressed that the status of women exclusion fromifrom high office in Somaliland is due a culture that is stronger than politics, a culture that opposes the advancement of science and civilization.”
While urging the women to wisely chose their party leaders during the forthcoming national conference president Bihi promised to intensify efforts geared towards appointment if more women in his government.
In somaliland there are currently only two women ministers in the Kulmiye party administration and one female legislator in the Somaliland parliament.
