Saturday, May 31, 2022
Sadia Haji Samatar,First Deputy Speaker of the parliament of Federal Republic of Somalia.
When it comes to Somali women in politics, it is not easy
for a woman to achieve significant political success in this country. Since
independence, Somali women have not achieved meaningful participation in the
political system.
Many Somali women have accustomed to these circumstances and
have given up their ambition to be part of the country's leadership. But there
are few women who are struggling to achieve their political ambitions and serve
their nation in elected public office.
Sadia Yasin was one of those women who did not give up. She
has strived to achieve her seat at the table for a long time. Sa’dia has been
in the political system for a while now and she has seen the system and the
challenges women face through the different levels.
She was one of the most vocal members of parliament in her
first term as an MP, and she kept her parliament seat and was re-elected in the
indirect elections held in Garowe during March 2022.
Before joining parliament, Sadia was one of those who went
and settled in the diaspora, but she returned to the country to pursue a
political career and serve her country. She was an advocate for human rights
and civil society. In particular, Sa’dia spoke on behalf of the voiceless
people in political and ethnic minorities in Somalia, particularly in Puntland.
In addition to being a politician, Sa’dia is a mother.
In
2016, she became a member of parliament for the first time representing her
community, and was one of a number of women who won seats in the lower house of
parliament. Sadia has been active in the Parliament and she engaged in
political debates on the floor of the parliament.
Sadia
was also one of the lawmakers who criticized and opposed the administration
which left office in May 2022. She saw that much of the country's laws had
been violated and needed to be corrected and those responsible held
accountable.
Five
years after joining the parliament, Sadia’s belief was that she could be part
of a positive change in the country. That is why she run again for her seat to be
re-elected, and once again elected in an indirect election to represent her
constituency in the parliament for another four years.
Once
re-elected, Sadia intended to run to be part of the leadership of the lower
house, and her re-election gave her an opportunity to pursue her ambition as
she was determined to do whatever it takes to achieve her goals.
On April 28, 2022, Sa’dia was elected to be the first deputy
chairperson of the Somali Lower House of Parliament. This was historic since
she became the first woman to be elected to a leadership position in either
house of the Somali parliament. This was
a new day filled with hope and jubilation, she was elected to be the first
deputy Speaker of the lower house of parliament. She has received war
congratulatory messages and prayers for her success in her new position.
Despite the duties and responsibilities bestowed on MP
Sadia, the general public was happy, especially women who have been absent from
the top positions in the country’s legislature forever.
This meant a new page for the history of Somali women in
politics, and it made a great and inspiring example to all with ambition and
agenda to be engaged seriously in politics in order to represent and serve
their communities at the decision-making tables of the country.
"After being congratulated, that I became the first
woman to win this position. I remember there were and still are Somali women
who have fought for the country and the people more than any male politician
who occupied top leadership of the parliament for many years. I believe this
and other leadership positions should have been held by women already.” She
said.
Aside from the general challenges she shares with women
politicians, Sadia faced challenges during her political journey and especially
during her candidacy for this position. “Vying for this position has been very
difficult for me. Many MPs were surprised when I told them I wanted their vote.
Some of them saw me as a dreamer and told me, 'If we give you our vote now, how
far will it go?'
Sadia, who was elected by among the 275-member lower house
of parliament believes that although she is a woman, she will serve the people
equally, both men and women.
"Men are my father, brother, sons, and relatives. I
will never look at how they treat us as women. I will serve my people as equal
" she added.
Sadia strongly feels there is a huge need for women to be
part of the country's leadership, and she intends to play a role in getting
more women to be part of the country's decision-making process on behalf of
society as a whole.
Sa’dia's plans to advocate in her new capacity for the needs
of the communities and address the social injustices endured so long by large
segments of the population especially minorities, which she has always
advocated for.
In conclusion, MP Sadia, the first deputy speaker of the
Somali parliament intends to continue her political career and contribute to
the development of her country.
Through her political career, MP Sa’dia has exhibited grit,
fortitude, and commitment to her ambition and goal in politics. She sets a good
lesson in the potential and possibility of achieving increased women’s
political participation in Somalia.
Women In Media Initiative Somalia- WIMISOM
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.wimisom.org