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Are Political Parties a Pathway or a Barrier to Women’s Political Inclusion?

A high-level policy forum examining how political party structures, nomination processes, and accountability mechanisms can either support or hinder women’s meaningful participation in political leadership in Somaliland.

Are Political Parties a Pathway or a Barrier to Women’s Political Inclusion?
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Strengthening Political Party Systems for Women’s Inclusion

The Centre for Inclusive and Accountable Governance (CIAG) convened a high-level forum to examine the role of political parties in advancing women’s political participation and representation in Somaliland.

The forum provided a platform for experts, political leaders, and relevant stakeholders to critically examine whether existing political party structures and processes create pathways for women’s participation or present barriers to their effective inclusion in political leadership.

Discussions focused on key areas including party structures, candidate nomination and selection processes, and accountability mechanisms that can contribute to more inclusive political institutions. Participants explored the practical challenges affecting women’s access to political opportunities and considered potential reforms that could strengthen women’s representation within political parties and broader governance structures.

The forum also emphasised the importance of creating political environments in which women can participate meaningfully, compete for leadership positions, and contribute to political decision-making. Open dialogue among stakeholders provided an opportunity to identify practical approaches for strengthening institutional accountability and promoting more inclusive political processes.

Through this initiative, CIAG continues to support dialogue and policy engagement aimed at strengthening inclusive governance and creating greater opportunities for women to participate in Somaliland’s political and decision-making institutions.

Program objectives

  • 1. Examine the role of political parties in promoting or limiting women’s political participation.
  • 2. Assess barriers within party structures and nomination processes that affect women’s access to political leadership.
  • 3. Promote dialogue on accountability mechanisms that can strengthen women’s inclusion within political parties.
  • 4. Identify practical approaches for improving women’s representation in political decision-making.
  • 5. Strengthen stakeholder dialogue around inclusive political and governance reforms.

Expected and achieved outcomes

  • 1. Increased stakeholder dialogue on barriers and opportunities for women’s political inclusion.
  • 2. Greater awareness of the role political parties play in shaping women’s access to political leadership.
  • 3. Identification of key areas for strengthening nomination, representation, and accountability processes.
  • 4. Increased attention to practical reforms that can support more inclusive political participation.
  • 5. Strengthened dialogue among political, civil society, and governance stakeholders on women’s representation.
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