The Somali Women’s Leadership Initiative was founded on June 2012

The initiative of forming SWLI was grounded by the need to have a platform within and through which women could foster reflection, action and advocacy, be empowered and heard on key issues regarding gender equality and their access to political and decision making positions.

It is well known that collective and inclusive efforts that involve all segments of the society and particularly women are needed for the building of peaceful, stable and gender-equal societies. However, evidences and experiences demonstrate that there is still a lot to be done in this regard, particularly for an effective participation and fair representation of women in decision-making positions at all levels in Somalia. Moreover, it is also acknowledged that multi-dimensional strategies are needed for inclusive processes and contribution regardless of class, sex, gender, ethnic or religious background.

In order to reach the above goals, SWLI has thus established institutional structures all over the country, so as to broaden the scope of the promotion of women right and social justice. As of today, SWLI representatives and offices has been installed in Mogadishu (Benadir Region) and in all the five Federal Member States of Somalia. In these various locations including Mogadishu, analysis and reviews of existing legal frameworks and cultural barriers are conducted on a continuous basis and recommendation/propositions made from a gender perspective to local, central government and international institutions.