MOGADISHU, SOMALIA – In a significant move to reshape the country’s humanitarian landscape, the Somali Disaster Management Organization (SoDMA) today hosted a pivotal coordination meeting that brought together an array of national and international stakeholders. The meeting’s core focus was to officially launch the Gender in Humanitarian Action (GiHA) Working Group, a landmark initiative designed to empower women and girls as central agents of change in Somalia’s aid and development efforts.

Presiding over the gathering was SoDMA Commissioner, Mr. Mohamud Moallim Abdulle, alongside key partners, including Dr. Rukaya Mohammed, UN Women Country Manager, and leaders from the Somali NGO Consortium. A notable feature was the strong presence of women from within SoDMA’s own ranks, highlighting the organization’s internal commitment to gender parity.

In his opening address, Commissioner Abdulle underscored the national importance of this new strategic direction. “This is more than a meeting; it is a foundational step toward a more equitable and effective humanitarian system,” he said. “By placing women’s organizations at the heart of our efforts, we are not just providing aid; we are tapping into a powerful, often overlooked, force for building national resilience and sustainable development.”

The meeting included a detailed presentation on the GiHA Working Group’s mandate, which will ensure that all facets of humanitarian response are informed by and tailored to the unique needs and perspectives of women and girls.

Dr. Rukaya Mohammed, in her address, emphasized the strategic necessity of this new partnership, stating, “This collaboration is a critical evolution in our approach. We recognize that women are not merely beneficiaries, but indispensable partners in resilience and recovery. The GiHA Working Group will be a vital platform for integrating their voices and expertise, ensuring our collective work is both impactful and just.”

The discussion centered on creating a robust and seamless framework for cooperation between SoDMA, Women’s Local Organizations (WLOs), and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). Participants agreed on concrete steps to establish lasting relationships and direct communication channels, guaranteeing women’s direct participation in all humanitarian decision-making.

Concluding the session, Commissioner Abdulle reiterated SoDMA’s unwavering dedication to this collaborative path. “Our ultimate success will be measured by our ability to translate today’s commitments into tangible, on-the-ground action,” he stated. “We are fully committed to working in unified partnership to forge a humanitarian system that is stronger, more equitable, and profoundly responsive to the needs of every Somali citizen.”

The event marks a new precedent for humanitarian coordination in Somalia, championing a national strategy that places the empowerment and leadership of women at the very heart of building a resilient and prosperous future.