By Goth Mohamed Goth

A well-attended function marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women was today the 25th, November 2018, in Hargeisa, the event the first of its kind to be held in Somaliland was  organized by the Ministry of Employment, Family, and Social Affairs.

The director of gender affairs in the Ministry of Employment, Family, and Social Affairs In her opening remarks said, “Today we gather here to mark, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. The 2018 National theme is “End Discrimination and Gender based Violence in All Forms”, the date marks the launch of 16 days of activism that will conclude on 10 December 2018, International Human Rights Day. The Violence against women and girls (VAWG) is one of the most widespread, persistent and devastating human rights violations in our world today remains largely unreported due to the impunity, silence, stigma and shame surrounding it.

Mr. Mohamed Aden “Ilkacase”, the director general in the Ministry of Employment, Family, and Social Affairs speaking during the occasion said, “ The Rights of every citizen is enshrined in the constitution of Somaliland hence our determination to end all forms of gender based violence.

The director general further stated, “Today the Ministry of Employment, Family, and Social Affairs launches 16 days of activism that will conclude on 10 December 2018, International Human Rights Day. I call upon fellow citizens, activists, governments, UN, and other international partners to mobilize people and highlight issues relevant to preventing and ending violence against women and girls

Dr. Osman Hussein Warsame, director general in the Ministry of Information and National Guidance speaking at the function said, “The ministry whose function is to provide credible and timely information on government activities, programmes and initiatives”,

He added , “ We are ready to work with the Ministry of Employment, Family, and Social Affairs educate and create awareness in ending discrimination and gender based violence. As set in the national development plan goals, and in accordance with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, an agenda for global action for the coming years, addresses the three dimensions of sustainable development: the economic, social, and environmental.