A female mayor in Somaliland?
26 June 2008
For the last 20 years, Khadija Hassan Hussein has worked as an accountant for the Ministry of Local Government in Somaliland.
In this time, she has seen male employees praised and promoted while women who are just as capable stay in the same positions for years on end. Under-appreciated, female workers have no choice but to find employment elsewhere or plough on until retirement in relatively lowly jobs.
Now, having seen enough of this inequality, Khadija is mounting a courageous challenge to it. Backed by a DFID-funded organisation, she aims to get more women into decision-making roles - and, with mayoral elections soon to take place in her region, she intends to lead by example and blaze a trail that goes right to the top.
Getting more women into politics
Image
courtesy of Liba Taylor/Panos Pictures
Outside work, Khadija is an active member of a group that pushes for women's rights. The NAGAAD regional forum brings together local non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to get Somaliland's women to play a bigger part in politics. Amongst its activities are training sessions that aim to turn women into skilled political operators.
Khadija is also a member of the region's ruling political party. This means she is frequently out in the community, talking to ordinary people about the issues that matter to them, in particular their health needs. It was while she was out on her rounds, working hard to promote new health initiatives, that the idea of running for mayor was first suggested.
Putting herself in the running
Speaking to clan elders in her area about healthcare, Khadija soon won them over with her professionalism. Having gained their personal support, these respected community figures even began to accompany her on awareness campaigns, helping to engage local people and adding weight to her words. Of course, as she informed people about the health initiatives, she also spread the NAGAAD message that women need to be given more of a say in the decisions that affect their lives.
Some of the elders were so impressed by Khadija's leadership qualities that
they indicated she would make a good district mayor. Not one to
take such a compliment lightly, Khadija made up her mind to run for office at the
next opportunity.
Back to top
Training for the top
Image
courtesy of Wairimu Munyinyi/Progressio
A female mayor would be a first in Somaliland but, with the elders (and, increasingly, the community) behind her, Khadija feels that success is well within her grasp. In fact, she believes that her gender could give her a major advantage. "I tell (local people) that, as a woman, I do not belong to any clan," she says, "so I'm not seeking to perpetuate the needs of certain people to the detriment of others."
Through NAGAAD, Khadija attended leadership classes that reminded her of the importance of serving the whole of the community rather than just a section of it. Participants in the training exercises were also urged to rise above party differences and support each other across the board. These valuable sessions were made possible by DFID funding to a local NGO, Progressio.
With the election now approaching, the NAGAAD forum is continuing to help Khadija, offering her advice and lobbying door-to-door on her behalf. The next step is for the party to endorse her for a seat. Then, if polling day turns out to her advantage, Somaliland's voters will have elected their first female mayor - paving the way, perhaps, for more Khadijas in years to come.
Facts and stats
- DFID provides 64% of Progressio’s income through a Partnership Programme Agreement (PPA).
- The PPA was renewed by DFID in 2005, setting out a six-year programme of work in areas of common interest, including HIV/AIDS and the environment.
- The PPA provides Progressio with funding of £2.8 million per year for the first three years. Funding for the last three years will be agreed in due course.
- Somaliland is located in the north west of Somalia. It claimed independence from Somalia in 1994 but is not internationally recognised as a separate state.
- DFID's budget for Somalia for 2008/09 stands at £21 million. Our work in the country focuses on governance, security and emergency humanitarian relief.
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