Transforming Somalia: Addressing Gender Inequality for Inclusive Development

The report by the World Bank Group and partners highlights persistent gender inequalities in Somalia, focusing on education, economic opportunities, political agency, and climate resilience. It calls for multi-sectoral approaches to empower women and girls, addressing barriers like limited access to resources, gender-based violence, and exclusion from leadership roles.

The World Bank Group, along with institutions like UNICEF, UN Women, and CARE International, has published a compelling report titled "Accelerating Gender Equality in Somalia: Breaking Barriers, Creating Opportunities". This detailed analysis explores the persistent gender disparities in Somalia, focusing on critical areas such as human capital, economic opportunities, voice and agency, and climate change. In a country plagued by conflict, poverty, and environmental crises, the report highlights the urgent need for transformative measures to empower women and girls and foster a more inclusive society.

Breaking the Barriers to Education and Health

Somalia’s patriarchal norms and widespread poverty have created significant barriers to education and healthcare for women and girls. Early marriage, high fertility rates, and female genital mutilation (FGM) are among the critical issues that perpetuate cycles of disadvantage. Girls face daunting challenges in accessing education, with low enrollment and high dropout rates, especially in rural areas. The shortage of female teachers—who make up less than 10% of the primary school workforce—further discourages girls from attending school. Initiatives like the Somalia Education for Human Capital Development Project aim to reverse these trends by recruiting female teachers, improving school safety, and incentivizing girls’ attendance.

In the health sector, Somalia has one of the highest maternal mortality rates globally, fueled by inadequate reproductive health services and limited access to maternal care. The Damal Caafimaad Project is working to integrate family planning and maternal health services into communities, with a particular focus on reaching underserved areas. Drawing on global examples, such as Uganda’s adolescent development programs, the report stresses the importance of creating safe spaces and support systems for young women to thrive.

Empowering Women in the Economy

Women play a significant role in Somalia’s economy, owning over half of household enterprises. However, their economic potential is stifled by limited access to credit, capital, and business networks. On average, businesses owned by women generate 40% less revenue than those owned by men. Structural barriers, including societal norms and a lack of training opportunities, confine many women to low-value economic activities.

To address these challenges, programs like the Somalia Capacity Enhancement and Livelihoods Program are providing financial support, mentorship, and technical training to female entrepreneurs. Women are also being introduced to traditionally male-dominated sectors, such as energy and agriculture, through targeted initiatives like the Electricity Sector Recovery Project. Inspired by international successes, such as Ethiopia’s Women Entrepreneurship Development Project, the report underscores the importance of combining access to finance with entrepreneurial training to enhance women’s participation in higher-value economic activities.

Addressing Gender-Based Violence and Strengthening Agency

Somalia’s deeply entrenched patriarchal culture severely limits women’s participation in decision-making and leadership roles. The clan-based political system marginalizes women, while pervasive gender-based violence (GBV) further restricts their autonomy. Nearly universal FGM rates and high levels of intimate partner violence reflect the severity of the issue, particularly among displaced populations.

Programs such as the Shock Responsive Safety Net Project are taking steps to provide financial security to women through cash transfers, which help reduce vulnerability to exploitation and violence. Similarly, the Damal Caafimaad initiative integrates GBV services into healthcare systems, offering support and resources to survivors. Lessons from Rwanda’s Bandebereho couples’ program highlight the importance of engaging men and women in discussions to transform harmful social norms. The report stresses that sustainable progress in gender equality requires community-wide efforts to address the root causes of violence and discrimination.

Women as Leaders in Climate Action

Climate change disproportionately impacts Somali women, who face greater risks of displacement, livelihood loss, and GBV due to recurring droughts and floods. Despite their vulnerability, women remain underrepresented in climate adaptation efforts and leadership roles. The report advocates for integrating women into climate-resilient activities, such as sustainable agriculture and renewable energy, to ensure their perspectives and traditional knowledge are included in decision-making.

The Somalia Crisis Response Project is already involving women in disaster preparedness and response, while other initiatives focus on building women’s resilience to climate shocks. Drawing inspiration from Kenya’s Financing Locally-Led Climate Action Program, the report recommends bottom-up approaches that empower women to lead community-based climate adaptation projects. These efforts not only address environmental challenges but also position women as critical actors in Somalia’s green transition.

A Call for Transformative Change

The report concludes with a strong call for a systematic, multi-sectoral approach to address gender inequality in Somalia. While standalone projects have made progress, the report emphasizes the need to integrate gender-sensitive measures into all development initiatives. This includes prioritizing girls’ education, expanding economic opportunities, addressing GBV, and positioning women as leaders in climate adaptation.

The recommendations highlight innovative approaches, such as scaling up mentorship programs for women entrepreneurs, fostering collaboration with men to shift societal norms, and ensuring women have access to financial resources and decision-making platforms. By drawing on successful international models and tailoring them to Somalia’s unique context, the report envisions a society where women and girls are not only beneficiaries but also active participants in the country’s development.

Ultimately, the report portrays a future where gender equality is seen not just as a goal but as a cornerstone of Somalia’s stability and prosperity. It urges policymakers, international organizations, and local communities to collaborate in breaking barriers, creating opportunities, and fostering transformative change for women and girls. With sustained effort and investment, Somalia can move closer to a more equitable and inclusive society, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.