Center for Women’s Empowerment and Social Justice

The Center for Women’s Empowerment and Social Justice at Hodmas University College, Somalia, is a dynamic hub dedicated to promoting gender equality, empowering women, and advocating for social justice within the Somali context. We are committed to challenging existing norms and creating an inclusive society where women have equal rights, opportunities, and representation. Operating under the Faculty of Humanities, the center endeavors to foster positive change through education, skill-building, advocacy, research, community engagement, and policy influence.

Objectives

  1. Women’s Empowerment:

Develop and implement comprehensive programs and initiatives that empower Somali women, enabling them to overcome barriers, enhance their skills, and become effective leaders in various domains. These programs and initiatives will be grounded in Somali cultural values, customs, and traditions, ensuring cultural sensitivity and respect.

  1. Gender Equality Advocacy:

Advocate for gender equality and women’s rights within the Somali context through culturally appropriate awareness campaigns, policy engagement, and community mobilization. We aim to challenge harmful practices, discriminatory attitudes, and structural inequalities. Our advocacy efforts will be informed by research and data collected within the Somali context.

  1. Skill-Building and Leadership Development:

Offer tailored training workshops, mentorship programs, and capacity-building initiatives that equip Somali women with the necessary skills, knowledge, and confidence to excel in their personal and professional lives. Leadership development programs will be designed to integrate Somali cultural values, traditions, and perspectives.

  1. Social Justice Initiatives:

Engage in projects and activities that address social injustices prevalent in Somalia, including gender-based violence, women’s access to justice, and socio-economic disparities. We strive to promote fairness, inclusion, and social cohesion through targeted interventions, community engagement, and collaboration with local stakeholders.

  1. Research and Data-Driven Approaches:

Conduct research on gender-related issues specific to the Somali context to deepen understanding and inform evidence-based programming and policy recommendations. We will utilize data-driven approaches, indicators, and evaluation processes to ensure that our interventions are effective and responsive to the needs of Somali women.

  1. Community Engagement and Collaboration:

Foster strong partnerships with local civil society organizations, government agencies, academic institutions, grassroots movements, community leaders, and traditional structures. By actively involving the community and embracing local wisdom and knowledge, we ensure the relevance and effectiveness of our programs and initiatives.

  1. Policy Influence:

Influence policies and institutional frameworks related to gender equality and social justice in Somalia. We will engage in policy dialogues, consultations, and advocacy efforts to shape policies, laws, and regulations that promote women’s empowerment and social justice. Our goal is to contribute to a more enabling environment for women’s rights and gender equality in Somalia.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Sustainability

The center is committed to monitoring and evaluating the impact of its programs, using data-driven approaches, indicators, and feedback mechanisms to continuously improve and refine interventions. We have a strong focus on sustainability and scalability, employing strategies for securing long-term funding, developing partnerships, and expanding the reach and impact of our programs. Our sustainability plan includes leveraging local resources, generating research-based evidence, and fostering collaborations to ensure the continuity and growth of our activities.