Celebrating Successes

The event was graced by distinguished guests including the State Minister of Ports and Marine Transport, H.E. Mohamed Abdulkadir and State Minister of Women and Human Rights Development, H.E. Amina Hassan Ali. Their presence underscored the importance of gender inclusivity in the maritime sector. EUCAP Somalia was represented by Dania Cossa, Head of Operations, who stressed that

"No capacity can be built successfully and sustainably without the participation of women at all levels. Therefore, the European Union places the highest importance on promoting women's employment and empowerment in the maritime sector."

Success stories of women reaching leadership roles in maritime security were shared, with inspiring examples such as Sagal Abdirizak, WiMS Focal Point at the Ministry of Ports and Marine Transport, Halima Abdi, WiMS Focal Point at the Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy, and Senator Sareedo Mohamed Hassan, Chair of the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus at the Federal Parliament. These women have exemplified the capabilities and contributions of women in maritime roles, paving the way for future generations.

Key Outcomes

The event celebrated several key outcomes from the past year and ongoing efforts:

1. Leadership Integration: Women have successfully been integrated into leadership roles within public administration.
2. Training workshops: Various trainings were supported by UNODC, UNSOM and EUCAP Somalia. The Mission also conducted seminars on topics such as IORIS. These initiatives align with the four pillars of the WiMS National Action Plan, signed in February 2023.
3. Collective Development: Efforts were made to collectively address the needs and priorities of women in the maritime sector, ensuring that their voices are heard, and their contributions valued.
4. Radio show: This week, women in Somalia's maritime sector were highlighted on UNSOM's weekly radio show, "Path to Peace," as part of celebrating the International Day for Women in Maritime 2024. This episode aimed at highlighting the need for empowering women to utilise the full potential of the ‘blue economy’ for Somalia's development.

Conclusion

The anniversary of the WiMS National Action Plan is a testament to the progress made in integrating women into the maritime sector. The commitment to empowering women and promoting gender equality continues to drive positive change, ensuring that women play a pivotal role in the Blue Economy. The future holds promise as we, together with UNSOM and the Federal Government, continue to build on these successes, fostering an inclusive and thriving maritime sector.

Pictures of the event: https://bit.ly/3yob2sX