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Experiences with
Gender Discrimination in somaliland Politics
Aan ku bilaabe waxan marka hore
inigu wada salaamaya salaanta islaamka ascwrwb dhamaan akhristayaa
iyo bahda longlivesomaliland
Experiences with Gender Discrimination in
somaliland Politics
By: Asiya Garow
Now, let’s talk about women. How many of you really believe that the
government and opposition agenda left cares about you, your family
and your interests? They are, in fact, the ones that have kept you
down and out and without hope. They are the ones that suppress you
just as they are trying to do with their dirty politics against any
woman, a real, true women. You tell "real" women that you can relate
to the "sticks" rather than this true Patriot, a loving, caring,
God-fearing and intelligent, assertive, bold-talking, bold-acting
women?. The women who struggle for an education in a man’s world
fighting against all of the odds against them; one who has suffered
abuse and alienation, favouritism and oppression; one who has had to
fight for her rights, freedoms and place in society. Real women not
only care for their homes and family but help in its financial
support; are educated not only in the disciplines that are necessary
to be successful but are at the top of every corporation, in
government, in private industry, in education and small business and
are powerful in their own right as women. There are many Slders
woman who are "woman" excellence. However,the strength of the clan
system denied in a nomination opportunities to women in somaliland
societies. Despite, being the majorities hope voting population
would not be considered for nominations by the parties; because
somaliland women belong to clans, like every body else, but the
problem is not women loyalties is often questioned, but they were
often been asked, "which clan will they represent, the one they are
married to, or clan family?" and that is a big problem, therefore;
Somaliland government and opposition parties should strongly address
gender inequalities, through legislation and other means, little has
been done, but still women's representation in politics did not
improve. There are clearly that cultural, attitudinal and
institutional forces at play that prevent more women going all the
way to the top, which has led to recent decreases in the number of
female politicians, and I believe it was dictated by the desire of
incumbent male parliamentarians to hold onto their political power
at all costs and their failure to liberate themselves from
traditional views that hold women inferior to men.
There are intelligent and wise women who can represent somaliland
and in fact, all women, of all generations, as the best of women and
what our gender has to offer. It is so hard as a woman to prove
herself before a male chauvinist world that truly believes we are
not capable to succeed on our own; Moreover, many people think women
are supposed to stay home and take care of their kids and husbands,
that they are supposed to be housewives, to cook, clean, and always
be there to watch their kids. Personally I think this is not true.
Men can do all that stuff too. Women have just as much right to run
or help run the country as males have. Many women would vote for any
woman who is a candidate just because she is a woman and I don't
believe in that either. You should believe in the woman and have a
good reason to vote for them. Vote for who you want just make sure
you have a good reason to and remember to VOTE!!! Women's values
lead to progressive politics because women are integrated into our
social political and economic order differently than men. Women's
values generate a moral foundation for progressive opposition
because: (1) women are subordinated in the existing order, and(2)
their movement against their unequal position expresses values that
can benefit all disadvantaged groups and promote equality and peace.
Women's values revolve around family, children, health care,
maternal rights, a thriving economy, and a beautiful and
well-preserved environment. We want next generations to inherit a
strong country of opportunity and prosperity, not despair and
tragedy.
Snails do not move very fast makes their progress, in many ways, an
excellent metaphor for the advancement of women in somaliland. The
Equality and Human Rights is so taken with the conceit that in its
admirable new report, 'Sex and Power', snail-speed is used
throughout, to highlight women's persistent lack of success in
various professions. For instance, I calculate: 'A snail could crawl
the entire length of Hargaysa to berbera in 200 years, just slightly
shorter than the 90 years it will take for women to be equally
represented in Parliament.'
For those who say though that privileging gender in party
nominations is problematic, I must say that I agree. This is
ultimately not the answer. As many clan men say though, we need to
stop making women in politics a curiosity, and so I do think that
something has to be change in every election, women should take
active role in politics without being discouraged, and that will be
one very important step towards a solution. What I mean by this is
that, it would be unfortunate if this became a permanent method for
ensuring proper representation of women and other minorities within
elected office, because the ultimate solution, the place where we
all want to be is in that utopian equal society in which equality
happens naturally without having to impose it. I believe that
feminized values can lead this country to change. Unfortunately, i
don't think if any of these parties will implement this changes.
Like many, I am passionate about manifesting more women in positions
of viable and visible leadership. The past months of our
presidential campaign have made me realize I apparently forgot to
specify the most important part of my intention: I really need my
nation leaders (whatever their gender) to carry the feminine
qualities of nurturing, compassion, balance, intuition, integration
and wholeness.
But let me say this as boldly as I can.I don't want Axmed Silaanyo
or those who are like him to shake up somaliland. I/we want someone
to FIX somaliland and rebuild what's been shaken apart; someone who
can blend and mend broken systems and broken people. I/we want
someone who can face the world with a smile and intellect, not a
guns from under the table; someone who gives us (dare I say it)
HOPE.
With Axmed Silaanyo there is no hope, no steady hand, no trust on
face value. A shaky nation needs a consistent personality, not
someone who plays poker with my/our future. Anyone in marketing
knows you can't be jumping all over the place and expect people to
trust your brand and I no longer trust you. I/we also don't want to
be entertained with the media talking about everything BUT all the
serious issues we face today. l/We need leaders and news media who
take problems head on and don't get lost in sideshows.
I/we need our leaders to function as global citizens who understand
and value the intricate and delicate interdependence of all
humanity. I/we need them to lead from a place of highest service to
planetary well-being. I/we need them to fly high above the noisy
conflicts. I/we need them to feel the fierce love of a mother for
this whole fragile nation and not just our little corner of it. I/we
need them to risk walking away from the old political playbook to
show up with authenticity and creativity. And I really, really need
them to lead us away from fear.But my Question is would they even
try? Hope so.
My prayer for our nation is that we each of us rise up to our
highest selves and that we collectively choose to move beyond fear.
My prayer is for each of us to actively participate in creating the
peacefully productive nation we want. And my prayer for this 2009
presidential election is a candidate who boldly and visibly begins
TODAY to lead us away from fear and judgement and separation. I
maintain a deep faith that such a leader will be celebrated and
joined by millions of wise and powerful souls who have been waiting
to exhale.
By:
Asiya Garow
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