Mogadishu, Somalia — The Minister of Family and Human Rights Development of the Federal Government of Somalia, H.E. Khadija Mohamed Al-Makhzoumi, has formally launched Phase II of the Women’s Peace and Protection (WPP-II) Joint Programme, marking a significant milestone in advancing women’s participation in peacebuilding and governance.
The launch event brought together key international partners, including Mr. George Conway, Deputy Special Representative and Humanitarian Coordinator for Somalia; Ms. Anna Mutavati, Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa at UN Women; Mr. Lionel Laurens, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme; and Ms. Rukia, Country Manager for UN Women, alongside representatives from the international community and Somali civil society.
WPP-II represents a strategic initiative aimed at advancing women’s meaningful participation in peacebuilding, leadership, and decision-making processes, while strengthening national systems for the protection and prevention of violence against women. The programme is led by the Ministry of Family and Human Rights Development and implemented in partnership with UN Women and UNDP.
Building on the achievements of its first phase, WPP-II will enhance coordination of key interventions at both federal and state levels, support the implementation of laws and policies that promote women’s inclusion, and strengthen institutional frameworks that safeguard women’s rights.
The launch underscores the Federal Government of Somalia’s continued commitment to advancing gender equality, empowering women, and fostering inclusive and sustainable peace across the country.