UNPOS
United Nations Political Office for Somalia

Closure of UNPOS

The United Nations Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS), established on 15 April 1995, supported the Federal Government’s peace and reconciliation efforts. Its mandate ended on 3 June 2013, with its responsibilities transferred to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM).

The day that men would vote for women

The new Somali Federal Parliament came to life on the 20th of August 2012 with a much broader female representation. Nonetheless, the majority of Somali women parliamentarians believe there is still much to be done in terms being represented in the Somali political landscape.

"I regret we haven't achieved the 30% of the female quota of seats," said Member of Parliament, Bibi Khalif Mohamed, during an UNPOS orientation workshop on Women and Elections held in Mogadishu on the 27th of September. "There were some clan elders who didn't want this."

There are currently 38 women MPs serving in the new Parliament, occupying some 15% of the seats.