Conference Proceedings

The fourth Telédhaang forum of the Institute for Research Analysis and Dialogue (IRAD) was convened in Baidoa to discuss “The Role of Women in Social Development in the Southwest State of Somalia.” The event brought together over 40 women from diverse backgrounds, representing various women-led civil society organizations and the State Ministry of Women, Family Affairs and Human Rights Development. The primary objective of the forum was to explore the critical role women play in social development and to identify strategies to enhance their contributions.

The event featured a keynote address by Dr. Zaima Abdullahi, IRAD Institute board director and experienced development practitioner. In her opening remarks, she highlighted the distinct challenges faced by women in the Southwest State of Somalia and emphasized the importance of women’s empowerment and their indispensable role in achieving sustainable social development. She further underscored the institute’s commitment to fostering gender equality and women’s leadership.

Social Contract Think Session: Southwest State of Somalia Perspectives

The Institute for Research Analysis and Dialogue (IRAD), in partnership with Asal and Saferworld, is pleased to host a collaborative symposium titled “Southwest State Perspectives on the Social Contract” on Tuesday, 25 June 2024, in Baidoa. 

This dynamic session brought together a wide range of participants, including regional parliamentarians, women, youth, persons with disabilities, traditional elders, religious leaders, marginalized communities, internally displaced persons (IDPs), academics, media representatives, and officials from the Southwest State Ministries of Justice, Security, and Constitutional Affairs. 

Discussions centered on uniquely Somali perspectives of social contracts and their relevance to contemporary debates on citizenship, political settlements, and state (re)building efforts. The social contract framework was explored as a critical lens for addressing challenges such as fostering inclusive development policies and ensuring equitable outcomes. 

This symposium forms part of the “Somali Perspectives on the Social Contract Series,” a dedicated initiative designed to encourage subnational and federal dialogues. The series serves as a platform for sharing diverse viewpoints and crafting strategies grounded in local realities, contributing to a more inclusive and effective discourse on governance and development in Somalia.

Introduction & Context

The constitutional review process and justice system reform in Somalia are vital pillars of the country’s state-building and governance efforts. With the provisional constitution still under review, there is a pressing need to finalize it in a way that reflects the aspirations of all Somalis. Equally important is strengthening the justice system to ensure inclusive, transparent, and citizen-centric governance.

On June 11, 2024, the Institute for Research Analysis and Dialogue organized its fourth citizen forum, focusing on strengthening Somalia’s justice system and finalizing the provisional constitution. The event was attended by the Federal Government of Somalia’s Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, alongside justice ministries from the Federal Member States, members of the judiciary, parliamentarians, and representatives from civil society, including women, youth, traditional elders, religiuos leader, and academia.

Minister Hassan Moallin, the FGS Minister of Justice, delivered opening remarks highlighting the government’s efforts in completing the provisional constitution, which is undergoing amendments. He also provided updates on initiatives to strengthen the justice system, emphasizing the need to stregthen judicial independence, amend the constitution, and ensure it aligns with both legal standards and religious principles. The Minister acknowledged the Institute for facilitating this opportunity to engage directly with citizens and gather input on the justice system and the ongoing constitutional review process, which significantly contributes to strengthening the social contract and building public trust. Participants were given the opportunity to ask the Minister questions, which he addressed in detail, fostering a productive and engaging dialogue.

Introduction & Context

Huddur is the administrative capital of the Bakool region in Somalia’s Southwest State, located approximately 420 km southwest of Mogadishu and 130 km north of Baidoa. The district is composed of five urban villages—Buulow, Moorogaabey, Sheikh-aweys, Horseed, and Shiidla—each led by a village leader and committee members. The current district administration, consisting of 27 councilors, was elected in August 2022 as part of broader government efforts toward democratization and decentralization. For over a decade, Huddur has been under siege, severely restricting access to the city and internal movement, reducing the flow of food and goods to donkey carts and airlifted humanitarian aid.

The Institute for Research, Analysis, and Dialogue (IRAD) held its fifth Teledhaang citizen forum in Huddur that facilitated open and frank dialogue between the Huddur community and local administration. Participants representing women, youth, traditional elders, religious leaders, health professionals, educators, civil society organizations, and the general public posed open and candid questions to the mayor. The event was also attended by officials from the Bakool regional administration, who delivered closing remarks, commending IRAD’s role in facilitating such an important forum.

Before the forum began, members of IRAD’s board of directors, including the deputy chair, delivered opening and introductory remarks, setting the stage for the discussion. The mayor also gave brief opening remarks, emphasizing the significance of citizen forums in holding local leaders accountable to their constituents. He further recognized IRAD’s pivotal role in organizing such forums and conducting research. In his address, Dr. Abbas, a member of IRAD’s board, outlined the institute’s mission to promote interdisciplinary research and inclusive dialogue, rooted in the history and heritage of the Southwest community. “IRAD is committed to sharing the narratives of the Southwest people,” he stated. “This forum provides a platform for residents to ask questions related to their community’s needs, while looking at the bigger picture of progress.” Dr. Abbas also highlighted Huddur’s unique history and culture, which are characterized by resilience and openness despite the multifaceted challenges, including conflict and environmental stressors. He concluded by expressing gratitude to the community for their warm welcome and participation, praising the strength and resilience of the people of Huddur in the face of decades-long hardships.

Additionally, Dr. Aden, the deputy chair of IRAD’s board, shared the institute’s successes since its establishment and underscored the significance of holding the first citizen forum outside Baidoa in Huddur. He emphasized the need for local leaders to seek community-driven advice and to focus on developments that align with social needs and priorities.