The Contribution of Women to Peace and Reconciliation

In Somalia, the youths are one of the most vulnerable groups. For the
past twenty years, they have been exploited and recruited by all warring
groups to kill, destroy, loot, displace and rape women. If we need to find
durable and lasting peace in Somalia, we must address issues affecting
Somali youth and create opportunities for them.
I think Somali women have been the bedrock on which the Somali society
has been resting for the past twenty years, and even before, they
were extremely resourceful agents who maintained the survival of their
families and the overall Somali society. There is recognition of the important
roles which Somali women played in maintaining the survival of
their families and communities, but recognition is not enough. It is important
that Somali women be included in the decision-making processes.
They do have their own unique concerns, opinions, inputs and
visions for building a new and peaceful Somalia. How can 50 or 60% of
Somalia’s population be ignored from the decision-making of peacebuild
ing and rebuilding processes?
Interview: Birgit Daiber, Brussels, November 17, 2010
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