Women were absent from the 1991, 1993, and 1997 Grand Conferences which laid the foundations for current Somaliland despite their logistical support in these conferences. The main reason for their absence was that the dominant clan structure does not provide a mechanism for women’s involvement in such political processes.

Nagaad believes that women’s participation in the decision-making process can be a master key to realize a meaningful life, i.e. Access to all other rights including equal economic opportunities and inclusive decision making for all social groups. Currently, 71 women political aspirants who have political interest for the coming parliamentary elections were registered, yet they don’t have supportive means. Throughout the democratization process in Somaliland, the question of women’s fair participation and women’s competition – equity questions in relation to the social, economic and legal factors have not been addressed. The quota system has been proposed by women activists as a transitional and alternative approach for women to enter parliament and the local councils.

In pushing this agenda forward, Nagaad regularly engages with the parliament, government, political parties. It also attempts to use research to identify issues and find out fresh information that can be used for advocacy, sustaining
community mobilization and coverage of activism by the media. Furthermore, Nagaad also trains political female aspirants on how to effectively increase their capacity to contest political elections.