The Ministry of Women Development and Family Affairs (MOWDAFA) was established in 2005 as a result of significant advocacy efforts by women in parliament, supported by male colleague.
The Ministry of Women Development and Family Affairs (MOWDAFA) was established in 2005 as a result of significant advocacy efforts by women in parliament, supported by male colleague.
To uphold the rights of women, children, and men equally, and to serve as a catalyst for the advancement and development of women and children in Puntland. We are committed to promoting gender equality, empowering communities, and fostering an environment where all individuals can thrive and realize their full potential.
To foster a just and equitable society in which all women, children, and families in Puntland thrive, empowered by equal opportunities and supported by inclusive policies that promote rights, well-being, and development.
The Ministry is mandated to work with line function departments to analyze policy and policy implementation through a gender lens to ensure the progressive realization of the socio-economic empowerment of women and gender equality. This will be achieved through gender mainstreaming within government programs, as well as within the private sector and other social structures. The Ministry is involved in the establishment of a clear vision and framework for gender mainstreaming across laws, policies, procedures, and practices which serves to ensure equal rights and opportunities for women and men in all spheres and structures of government, as well as in the workplace, the community, and the family.
In line with the government's position, the Ministry has the following critical objectives on women's policy issues:
Creating an enabling environment for translating government commitment to gender equality is becoming a reality.
Develop policies, programs, and mechanisms to empower women and transform gender relations in all aspects of work and at all levels of government.
Ensure that gender considerations are effectively integrated into all aspects of government policies and programs.
Establish an institutional framework for the advancement of the status of women and the achievement of gender equality.
Advocate for the promotion of new attitudes, values and behavior and a culture of respect for women's rights as human rights in line with the policy.
As its name suggests, the ministry is mandated to care and handle all women's rights issues. It's entrusted with the responsibility for designing and implementing programs that promote women empowerment in Puntland.
Tradition continues to challenge the rights of children. Circumcision of girls as young as 6 years of age, children being forced into marriage, labor or being recruited as soldiers are common examples of violations of children's rights, constitutional law and religious teachings.
MOWDAFA supports political participation of minorities, minorities' access to education, sustainable livelihoods and legal redress in case of crime and gender-based violence remains less than that of other Somalis. Minorities living in IDP camps seem particularly vulnerable in this respect.
MOWDAFA advocates for victims and people with disabilities and works with the Puntland disability organization to promote the rights of people with disabilities, especially women and children.
MOWDAFA conducts research and collects data on the needs of children and women and shares research results with key stakeholders in government, among international development partners and NGOs.
MOWDAFA facilitates capacity building targeting local government officials with the responsibility to handle cases of violation of the rights of women and children.
MOWDAFA works with other line ministries and public institutions to ensure the integration of relevant international conventions into the legal framework of the State of Puntland.
MOWDAFA works to promote synergy of effort, sharing ideas and best practices by hosting and facilitating task force meetings between interested and relevant actors from government institutions, NGOs, and international development agencies and partners in the private sector.
MOWDAFA conducts advocacy, public education and awareness raising targeting community leaders, including elders, religious leaders, health practitioners and community members at large.
The regional coordinators of the Ministry and the Women's Union in Puntland are dedicated to promoting gender equality and empowering women across the nine regions. These offices play a crucial role in coordination and response efforts, ensuring that initiatives are effectively implemented and tailored to the needs of local communities. Hover a region to preview its office, or click it to open its full page.
Hover a region to preview its office, or click to open its full page.
Minister of Women Development and Family Affairs — 2026 to Present
Deputy Minister, Ministry of Women Development and Family Affairs
Director General, Ministry of Women Development and Family Affairs
Explore the laws, policies, strategies, and institutional frameworks that guide our commitment to protection, justice, equality, and sustainable development.
