Full Blown Violence: Somalia (1991 – 2001+)

Background
As an independent country Somalia has been at war for much of its life; first with its neighbours Kenya and Ethiopia then with civil war, the roots of which go back to the clash between traditional nomadic Somali Society and the rigidity of the state system impose by the colonial power.

General Barre took power in a coup in 1969 and his autocratic centralised rule made matters worse. A temporary alliance between clans toppled Barre in 1991. The coalition collapsed as clans fought for Mogadishu and the country. The country was plunged into anarchy.

Involvement
In 1992 around 300,000 people died of famine and the war displaced millions with hundreds of thousand fleeing the country.

But with men dead or away the women started to take on roles previously denied them. They took control of trade and relief distribution, and undertook decision-making functions.

One woman obtained a small amount of food from the Red Cross to give to street children. Within two years she had 140 kitchens funded by the Red Cross. She was employing 3000 women and dispensing 200,000 meals a day.

They began to form groups to promote women’s rights, peace, reconciliation and development. Some women became ‘clan ambassadors’ and were able to defuse tension between warring groups.

The number of women-led NGOs multiplied and in 1996 a ‘Coalition for Grassroots Women’s Organisations’ was formed which went on to create a large number of initiatives. They formed links with other organisations round the world thus drawing attention to the problems of Somalia. They established ‘Peace Centres’ which offer training in conflict management and peace-building.

Outcome
A Transitional National Assembly was formed in May 2000 leading to the election of the country’s first president since the fall of Barre. Women demanded and were granted representation in the Transitional Assembly.