"International Women’s Day is a very important day as it reminds us that there is still huge inequality to be overcome both here in Somalia and across the world.

"Here in Somalia women on a daily basis still face threats of violence, as well as our young girls at risk from the barbaric act of FGM. Anyone who commits any violence against women or girls must face the full force of Somali law. We must eradicate these scourges from Somali society.

"My government is committed to ending women’s inequality as can be seen in the creation of a new government department the Ministry of Women and Human Rights. The ministry’s aim is to ensure that women’s rights are championed and protected across government.

"Ending all violence against women is a top priority of this government and can be seen with the conviction of a number of rapists in the last year who have all faced the toughest sentence under Somali law. Let no on be in any doubt FGM is not a religious practice it is a horrific act that is simply an abuse of a young girl’s human rights. It is an absolutely unacceptable practice and an act that will soon be illegal under Somali law, is against the provisional constitution and will be incorporated into our final constitution.

"I praise and thank those who bravely commit their time and efforts to campaigning for women’s rights here in Somalia. You are fantastic role models for what women can achieve and providing inspiration to girls across Somalia. You must continue campaigning and keep up the pressure until women enjoy the equal status that is their right here in Somalia, across our continent and across the world.

"Somalia has a long proud history of strong females playing a key role in society. We must continue as a society and as a government to campaign for and protect women’s rights and women’s equality.”

ENDS

Ridwaan Haji 
Government Spokesperson 
Prime Minister’s Media Office 
Mogadishu, Somalia