Mogadishu, Somalia – A two-day Somalia National Dialogue on Women’s Land Rights and Climate Resilience concluded in Mogadishu, bringing together high-level stakeholders to chart a transformative path forward for women’s land ownership and climate adaptation.

The event, organized by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), convened women parliamentarians, officials from relevant Somali ministries, and civil society representatives to address entrenched gender inequalities in land governance and explore integrated solutions to climate challenges.

Participants engaged in structured discussions to identify policy priorities and map out key institutional and community allies. The dialogue emphasized the urgent need for gender-responsive land policies that not only empower Somali women but also bolster their communities’ resilience to the escalating effects of climate change.

A core focus was placed on dismantling harmful social norms that hinder women’s access to and control over land. “Strengthening women’s land rights is not only a matter of justice but a cornerstone of sustainable development and climate resilience,” an IGAD representative stated.

The forum also highlighted the importance of cross-sector collaboration and community-based strategies in overcoming cultural and legal barriers. Attendees agreed on the need for inclusive frameworks that support women’s leadership in land management and natural resource decision-making.

The dialogue forms part of IGAD’s broader regional efforts to advance gender equality and environmental sustainability across member states. Outcomes from the event will feed into national and regional policy formulation processes aimed at integrating women’s rights and climate resilience into land governance systems.

This milestone initiative marks a critical step in Somalia’s ongoing journey toward equitable development and climate adaptation, with women at the center of the solution.