The recent electoral victory of opposition leader Abdirahman Mohamed of the Waddani Party, as President-elect in Somaliland presents a crucial opportunity to advance gender equality and to elevate the role of women in national decision-making. This was formally
Somaliland’s 2024 Presidential Elections: Is Gender Equality Possible? Read More »
Siham Ishaq Hassan set out to look for her missing daughter Roqia, her heart heavy with dread and worry, not sure if she would ever see her again.
Roqia has been missing since the morning of June 26, 2023. With
Dear Reader,
As we enter the second half of the year, girls and women in the Greater Horn of Africa continue to confront a range of challenges—from rising femicides and violations of their basic rights, impacts of climate change and the global surge in anti-gender movements. Despite these hurdles, women remain unyielding. Their resilience, courage, and determination are reshaping narratives and driving change in
July to September Newsletter Read More »
This Briefing Paper, aims to support and strengthen feminist resistance movements and collectives across Africa, empowering them to advance gender justice while remaining inclusive and resilient against the rising attacks from anti-rights movements.
LOST GAINS: SOMALIA’S REGRESSION FROM WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT TO SYSTEMIC OPPRESSION Read More »
We welcome this opportunity to engage with the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) on the Sudan conflict and the status of the rights of women in the country during its 81st Session. Founded in 1995, the Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA) is
On October 20, 2024, a Rapid Support Forces (RSF) commander reportedly surrendered to the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). Since then, the RSF has launched a retribution campaign of murder and carnage throughout Gezira and the central Sudan districts. According to SIHA’s
Central Sudan Genocide Shadows Read More »
The Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA) Network expresses grave concern at the escalating violence and suffering in El Fasher, North Darfur, and the ongoing mass atrocity and threat of genocide in the region.
We further condemn the random artillery shelling of civilians
Sexual violence is a severe issue in Somalia and Somaliland, with many cases unreported or unaddressed. A recent incident involved a 13-year-old girl being attacked by multiple men, exemplifying the widespread problem. The impact of such violence includes health issues, unwanted pregnancies, isolation, stigmatization, and severe psychological trauma, sometimes leading to suicide.
This briefing paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the legal frameworks addressing sexual violence in Somalia and Somaliland. It also seeks to shed light on existing laws and the processes undertaken by the respective governments to address sexual offenses legislatively. The paper highlights the inherent challenges within the judicial structures of both regions,
This research documents and analyzes feminist initiatives in Sudan, focusing on the experiences of women in grassroots efforts amid conflict, violence, and displacement. Using a qualitative approach, including remote interviews, focus groups, and literature reviews, the study highlights how these women’s groups address needs
Feminist initiatives in Sudan – A Story of Resilience, Resistance, and Solidarity Read More »
