Women in Politics: Opportunities and Challenges for the Case of Puntland, Somalia

This chapter explores the opportunities and challenges of women participation in Somalia politics. Global cultural and religious trends are influencing post-war Somalia, Somaliland and Puntland. In this complex socio-cultural landscape, the international WPS agenda can support – but also risk delegitimizing – Somali processes and perspectives. This study employed a descriptive research method of primary and secondary data collection using Likert scale structured questionnaire. This study represented the overall findings of the interviewees in conjunction with the most pertinent and supportive literatures, such as recent reports, papers, articles, and the constitutions of both the federal government of Somalia and State of Puntland, which influence the basic rights of the citizenries such as the right to vote, the right to hold public office, the right to live and move around freely in any part of the state's territory, and the right to equal protection under the law.

At local, state, and federal levels, women in politics are expected to set an example for other women by pushing for the adoption of legal frameworks and the incorporation of affirmative action into all existing political parties and governmental legislation to ensure equal access and full participation in politics and decision-making.