Lawmaker Fawzia Yusuf Haji Adam has announced that it’s time for a woman’s touch as she announced her candidacy for Somalia’s president. However, getting enough support from Somalia’s lawmakers, of which the vast majority of them men, has posed a challenge.
Fawzia Yusuf
Fawzia Yusuf says she will bring a new lease on life to the country, if elected, by prioritizing security, economic empowerment and education. As her male counterparts as she says, have failed to do so.
“We have been waiting for men for so long to sort out the problems of Somalia but till today we see there are no solutions so I have decided to stand for president and I have no doubt I will do a much better job than men,” Fawzia Yusuf said. “Islam does not stop women from going to politics or becoming head of state or in higher positions. If you go to Bangladesh, for the last 50 years almost there are women leaders replacing each other; and it is the most conservative country in the Muslim world. The most populous country is Indonesia, there was a lady who was in charge, in Pakistan; we have so many other Muslim women [in charge] including Tanzania and Singapore,” she added.
Somalia’s indirect elections which have been scheduled for October, will see members of parliament selected by clan delegates. Members of parliament then decide who will be the next president.
Some citizens, like Abdirahman Omar in Mogadishu, believe that if given the opportunity, Fawzia; a former deputy prime minister and foreign minister, can bring change.
He says I am happy to welcome a female to run for the office of the president in Somalia. He says Mrs. Fawzia was tested and has knowledge and vision for leadership. “Likewise, women have been entrusted with various positions and if females are elected as president they will lead to positive change,” he added.
Somalia is a Muslim nation with conservative traditions that make a majority of its citizens reject female leadership. All africa reports.
