In Somalia, gender equality remains a pressing issue, with women facing significant cultural, social, and systemic barriers that limit their participation in political, economic, and social spheres. Shamsa Nure, Senior Gender Equality Expert at ADRA Somalia, shares her insights on the ongoing challenges and the transformative impact of empowering women in her community.

“Gender equality, to me, means ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their gender, have equal rights, opportunities, and access to resources,” says Shamsa. “It’s about challenging harmful practices, advocating for women’s empowerment, and fostering a society where both men and women can thrive without discrimination. Achieving gender equality means creating a more just and equitable future where everyone can exercise their rights and potential equally.”

One of the greatest challenges to achieving gender equality in Somalia is the widespread occurrence of gender-based violence (GBV), including intimate partner violence and harmful practices like female genital mutilation (FGM).

“These violations not only infringe on women’s rights but also hinder their full participation in society,” Shamsa explains. “Deeply rooted cultural norms, inadequate legal protections, and impunity for offenders often perpetuate this violence. Tackling GBV requires both legal reforms and extensive community education to shift societal perceptions and safeguard women and girls from harm.”

ADRA Canada, through its cash assistance program, is helping to address these challenges by empowering women financially and strengthening their decision-making power. In Somalia, where resources and authority are often concentrated in the hands of men, economic empowerment can be life changing.

“This program helps reduce reliance on male family members, challenge traditional power dynamics, and boost women’s economic participation,” Shamsa shares. “The impact includes improved household welfare, poverty reduction, and food security, along with greater confidence and increased decision-making power for women.”

By investing in women’s empowerment, ADRA is working toward a future where gender equality is not just an aspiration but a reality for all.