Vice chairperson of the Local Municipality Council of Gabiley and the only woman in that council, Ms. Khadra H. Ismael (Hagi Gaydh) has closed a three days workshop on building a women’s caucus and women political participation in Somaliland.

During 11^th – 13^th Feb 2010,  over forty women participants from women organizations, political parties and the other community sectors gathered in Gabiley to take part the workshop, which was organized by NAGAAD Umbrella and funded by Candlelight, a local NGO. Officials from Nagaad Umbrella Organization, including executive Director, Ms. Amina Hagi Mahamud (Gadhweyne) attended the closing ceremony of the workshop.

Participants discussed how women’s efforts can be united and networked into a very strong caucus. This union will enable women to channel their endeavours for women’s political participation.

Ms. Khadra H. Ismail (Hagi Gaydh), speaking at the closure ceremony said; “First of all Women should unite and share the same objectives to attain a full political participation.”

She added; “Political parties – whether pro-government or opposition – should allow women’s role in politics. They don’t have to ignore the significance of women, who are the backbone of this society and any other society in the world. Political groups that overlook the role of women will never succeed”.

Participants agreed undertaking a unified effort to ensure that women play a political and decision making roles. They concluded that this is the most important factor in bringing development for women and community at large.

Nagaad is the largest Umbrella organization in the country having more than 30 member organizations. It works towards the empowerment of women, their education, health and other developmental activities.