Mogadishu – The United Nations Communications Group in Somalia marks International Women’s Day by saluting the women of Somalia for their robust contribution to peace-building, reconciliation and the promotion of gender equality in their country.

International Women’s Day was observed by the United Nations for the first time in 1975. It is a time to reflect on the progress made towards full rights for women and also celebrate the many acts of courage and determination by women from all walks of life who have played an extraordinary role in the history of their countries and communities.

The theme for this year’s observance is think equal, build smart, innovate for change.

Today’s commemoration of International Women’s Day in Somalia comes at a significant time as the country prepares for one-person, one-vote elections in 2020 that promise to give Somali women a greater say in the conduct of their country’s political affairs and the allocation of its resources. Somali women have made great strides in the public and political spheres, including a 10 percent increase (from 14% to 24%) in the representation of women in the Federal Parliament since 2016. This is a formidable force that if united, can have a profound impact on the Somali society.

“As women within our communities and as UN personnel, we all strive to build a more balanced world that is representative of a variety of perspectives, needs and goals,” said Lisa Filipetto, the Head of the UN Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS). “On International Women’s Day, I encourage all of you to bring your intelligence, experience and innovation to this challenging task. I especially thank all of my women colleagues for their commitment to advance UN mandates, programmes and values. I wholeheartedly commend the women of Somalia for their peace and statebuilding efforts.”

The UN Communications Group in Somalia comprises communications officers affiliated with UNSOS, the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia and a number of UN agencies, funds and programmes that operate in the country.