Workshop studies gender- based violence in
Somalia.
By
Omar Said Mohaed East African University, Bosaso.
A
workshop on gender-based violence, sponsored by UNFPA- and EAU
was held from 25 to 28 April at East African University. The
three-day workshop studied the effects of violence that afflict
many Somali women.
The
Somali society has predominantly patriarchal tradition, culture
and institutions. As a result, the protection of women’s human
rights is weak. W omen have limited control over family and
community resources, particularly over ownership of land and
cattle. There is lack of educational opportunities for women and
girls, and they are underrepresented in decision- making
process, the unequal status and roles of women to men in
Somalia, Coupled with Stereotyping of both women and men make
women and girls the primary targets of gender Based violence,
Violence Against Women is Wade Spread Both in and Outside of
the Home, Female Genital cutting/Mutilation is continuously
practiced throughout the country but a prohibited to talk about,
and against Islamic tradition which Somalis majority follow.
Somalia has had no functioning national government since January
1991, Political instability, Armed conflict and Natural Disaster
Have led to an Increase in all forms of Violence, Including
Sexual Gender Based Violence SGBV against Women, Girls and
Elderly women, such As rape, coerced pregnancy (Rape During
War), abduction, Genital Cutting, Emotional and physical abuse
and, and Coerced Marriage, In Camps and Settlements of
Internally Displaced Persons (IDP’s), SGBV is Particularly
Widespread.
Although GBV affects a large Number of the Population, GBV
Issues rarely appear in Puntland Newspaper, TV Stations and
Radio channels, it not publicly discussed issue.
Therefore, UNFPA and EAU have rightly identified this issue of
GBV, as needed and demanding issue to be trained the Puntland
Media Houses.
The
aim of the training was to strengthen capacity of Puntland
journalists in their Profession to identify potential GBV
stories, to Analyze and report on them, and to disseminate them
in most efficient way in their communities. The training also
aims at developing evidence-Based material, e.g.; real GBV
stories from Puntland, to be used by various advocates for
policy- and attitude change towards GBV. This will be achieved
During the Training, The Participants contributed with their
experiences from the field, and strengthen their professional
Knowledge and skills through engaging them in practical
exercises such as plenary discussions, Group Work, Role Plays
and Written independent.
The
Workshop also Discussed, How can State and people in the
community prevent GBV and protect women and Girls from it (Who
are the Duty bearers and right-Holders)?
Finally, The UNFPA/EAU requested every participant to bring
practical Case and use the tools and Methods learned in the
Training and the training concluded with success.