Djibouti, 5th December 2013– The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) in collaboration with the Federal Government of Somalia and the civil society has today concluded a workshop on strengthening Somalia’s judicial capacity to address Gender Based Violence.
The workshop which aimed at focusing on building the capacity of the judicial systems to ensure that they are responsive, uphold and respect women’s rights, was attended by representatives from the Federal Government of Somalia working in the judicial institutions, AMISOM and from civil society organizations.
The workshop was officially opened by Djibouti Minister of Gender H.E. Hasna Barkat. In her opening remarks, H.E. Hasna Barkat praised the participants for their show of commitment in ensuring that the rights of women are respected and protected, and reiterated Djibouti’s support to the cause.
“Our efforts and initiatives are aimed at supporting Somali judicial institutions through our role within AMISOM and actively engage in the consolidation of peace and stability. Djibouti is happy to share its experiences to help create a more protective and peaceful environment for women,” said H.E. Hasna Barkat.
The workshop highlighted the international and regional instruments that protect women, discussed policies that enable women’s access to judicial systems as well as work to reform institutional cultures that prevent women from fully enjoying their rights.
The African Union Commission’s Head of Gender Coordination and Outreach Division, Yetunde Teriba, closed the workshop. During her closing remarks, she thanked the organizers and the participants on behalf of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, H. E Dlamini Zuma, for their commitment to enhance the capacity of Somalia’s judicial systems to address gender based violence. She also noted that the workshop was in line with the Federal Government of Somalia’s commitment elaborated under the New Deal Compact, pledging to enhance the capacity of practitioners to better address the most prevalent conflict grievances, including sexual and gender based violence.
