The Federal Government of Somalia is taking a significant step toward embedding gender equality into its development agenda.
Minister of Planning, Investment and Economic Development, H.E. Mohamud A. Sheikh Farah (Beenebeene), held a high-level meeting with Dr. Rukaya Mohammed, Country Programme Manager of UN Women Somalia.
This meeting aims to reinforce collaboration on the country’s ambitious National Transformation Plan (NTP) 2025–2029.
Aligning United Nations Women Programmes With National Priorities
During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to align UN Women’s ongoing and upcoming programmes with the key priorities of the Somalia National Transformation Plan, a flagship blueprint for driving sustainable economic growth, social development, and institutional reform over the next five years.
Minister Beenebeene emphasized that Somalia’s recovery and resilience efforts cannot succeed without the active participation of women and girls.
Noting that gender mainstreaming is central to the NTP’s success. Dr. Mohammed echoed this sentiment, stressing that UN Women will continue to provide technical expertise and resources to ensure Somalia’s development plans are inclusive and equitable.
Enhancing Monitoring, Evaluation, and Gender Data
A key outcome of the discussion was the agreement to strengthen joint monitoring and evaluation (M&E) mechanisms between the Ministry and UN Women.
This will include integrating gender-disaggregated data with the Somali National Bureau of Statistics (SNBS) to better track the impact of projects and policies on women and girls across the country.
By improving data quality and accessibility, policymakers will be able to design evidence-based interventions, address gender gaps, and measure progress against the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5 on gender equality.
Accelerating Results for Somali Women and Girls
Both parties highlighted the importance of increasing women’s participation in decision-making, expanding economic opportunities, and protecting women and girls from violence.
United Nations Women pledged to work closely with Somali institutions, civil society, and international partners to scale up initiatives in women’s entrepreneurship, leadership, and social protection.
The meeting marks a renewed phase of cooperation between Somalia and UN Women at a time when the country is striving to rebuild state institutions and strengthen social cohesion.
By aligning programmes, enhancing data systems, and focusing on measurable outcomes, Somalia aims to ensure that its National Transformation Plan (2025–2029) delivers tangible benefits for Somali women and girls, paving the way for inclusive and sustainable national development.
