By Advancing Women’s Voices

According to the a Communique, published on the website Hiiraan Online, on March 21-22, 2015, delegates from the Somali Diaspora from across the USA and Canada met at a conference in Minneapolis to discuss Vision 2016. The conference was titled: “Gurmad Conference: the quest for Somali-led permanent political process for 2016 and beyond.” Gurmad is a Somali word that means: backup, reinforcement.

The Somali Federal Government’s Vision 2016 is an action plan to establish local governance, introduce democratic elections, and foster economic development in Somalia. There have been a number of strategic meetings and conferences surrounding the implementation of Vision 2016.

The Vision 2016 Framework document states: “the government believes that successfully achieving the goals of Vision 2016 will require full alignment with the principle of political inclusion clearly articulated in PSG 1 of the “New Deal.” This is an acknowledgement that Somalia is in the important phase to create fair and inclusive institutions in which all Somalis are represented. Unfortunately, it has come to our attention that the organizers’ of the Somalia Vision 2016 conference in Minneapolis didn’t believe in inclusivity. According to an article published by Somali Current on March 21 and 22, 50 professionals and scholars, gathered in Minneapolis for a two-day conference to share their visions about a peaceful and democratic Somalia. All invited and in attendance were men!

It is not clear to us how and why the organizers felt an all men consultation group would be best suited to address a vision of peace and democracy for Somalia, while excluding all women. It may be that the organizers do not have faith in Somali women’s ability to deal with the intricacy of politics. Their actions showed us lack of interest in consulting with Somali women on the country’s future political and economic progress. This was evident in the all men meeting, which was organized by this group in Minneapolis.

The organizers should have realized a vision that is predicated on secrecy and exclusion will not lead to peace and democracy in Somalia, in the same way marginalizing 50% of the Somalia population voice wouldn’t lead to prosperity.

While making no mention of the lack of gender inclusion at the Minneapolis conference in the Communique, the attendees issued Statement of Principles articulates that they want “To ensure broad Somali ownership of the political roadmap and transition in 2016, and to prevent the absolute control and monopoly over the political decision–making process…” How ironic! We wonder whether any attendee during the two days event raised concerns about the lack of gender inclusion or ownership?

Many of the diaspora are working to challenge the status quo that has rendered Somali women voiceless in decision-making arenas. We urge you to join us in denouncing any outcomes from this said meeting and call on all leaders in the Somali community to request a more inclusive process in setting the vision for Somalia.

The women in the Somali community have a vision that needs to be solicited and documented that is complementary and maybe contrary to Somali men. Democracy is messy, but the beauty of it is engaging all citizens in the decision making process. Disparities aren’t just because of lack of access, but are the results of policy decisions that leave some of our citizens in the margins over others. We hope this letter to serve as advice and warning to not repeat exclusionary decision-making processes that have had grave consequences that have been experienced throughout history.

We would have a fair and democratic consultative group that accommodates and solicits contribution from Somalis of all backgrounds, genders and ages, who have a vital interest in the political stability of their country. A productive conference would prioritize and establish strategies where all Somalis women and men can work and life together in peace and harmony.

Also, this past weekend, the Twin Cities hosted Sahra Mohamed Ahmed the Executive Director of Somali Women Development Center. Ms. Ahmed is an attorney and an aid worker in Somalia and could have contributed to creating this vision if an invitation would have been extended to her. The Twin Cities is home to diverse talent of Somali women: professors, doctors, teachers, social workers, artists, writers, journalists, lawyers, politicians and many more. The organizers missed a great opportunity to have their input and insight by failing to widen the invitation pool.

The dismissal of women, created an opportunity gap. Their involvement in consultation of the development of policies and decision-making in elections and other democratic processes would have given voice to a marginalized crucial part of society. Women are the backbone of the Somali community. Their advocacy and voice should be the driving force for the future of the government in prioritizing education for all, economy vitality, public health, prevention of gender base violence, crime and justice, sustainability, youth development and civic engagement.

Prosperity, peace and democracy start with engaging ALL the stakeholders in the Somali diaspora! Women included!

“There’s really no such thing as the ‘voiceless’. There are only the deliberately silenced, or the preferably unheard.” – Arundhati Roy

No decisions for us without us!

Advancing Women’s Voices
Email:advancingwomensvoices1@gmail.com