By Goth Mohamed Goth
The Somaliland Women Lawyers Association (SOWLA), represented by Advocate Deeqa, took the floor to highlight the vital role that female legal professionals play in the country’s justice sector. SOWLA has been at the forefront of providing pro bono legal assistance to vulnerable groups, particularly women and children facing gender-based violence, inheritance disputes, and family law cases.
Advocate Deeqa noted that SOWLA is also actively engaged in mentorship programs and capacity-building initiatives aimed at elevating the quality of female law graduates and increasing their representation in the judiciary and legal practice. Despite these efforts, she pointed to two persistent obstacles:
· Chronic financial constraints – limited funding restricts the scope and reach of SOWLA’s legal aid services and advocacy campaigns.
· Lack of dedicated office and resource facilities – without proper physical infrastructure, the organization struggles to operate effectively and serve clients in a confidential and professional environment.
She appealed to the government and international partners for increased financial support and logistical assistance to enable SOWLA to expand its impact.
