The workshop brought together aspiring female politicians, activists, and community leaders from Bosaso and its surrounding areas to enhance their communication and social media skills, with a focus on promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment, and also to equip participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively communicate their ideas, engage with constituents, and leverage social media platforms for political campaigns.
The workshop aimed at enhancing the visibility of women in politics and focused on providing communication and social media training to empower women to actively participate in political discourse and decision-making processes.
The workshop also focused on the importance of gender-sensitive communication and the need to address gender-based violence and discrimination in political discourse. Participants were encouraged to share their experiences and challenges as women in politics and to develop strategies for addressing these issues.
During the workshop, participants engaged in a series of interactive sessions covering a wide range of topics, including public speaking, effective messaging, campaign planning, media relations, and online engagement.
One of the key objectives of the workshop was to address the existing gender gap in political representation. Despite progress made in recent years, women continue to be underrepresented in political leadership positions, as evidenced by the recent Puntland local government elections where women in which women only 15.5% of the local council seats.
By providing women with the tools to effectively communicate their ideas and engage with voters, this workshop aimed to break down barriers and create opportunities to increase women’s participation in politics.
Participants learned how to develop clear and concise messages that highlight their strengths as candidates while addressing the needs and concerns of their constituents. Through practical exercises and role-playing activities, attendees gained confidence in articulating their political visions and engaging with diverse audiences.
Furthermore, the workshop placed a significant emphasis on harnessing the power of social media platforms for political advocacy. In today’s digital age, social media has become an indispensable tool for politicians to connect with voters, popularize their campaigns, and mobilize support. Participants were introduced to various social media platforms and taught how to create engaging content, manage online communities, and navigate potential challenges such as online harassment and misinformation.
The workshop also provided a platform for networking and collaboration among participants. By fostering connections and building a supportive community of women in politics, the event aimed to create a lasting impact beyond the training sessions. Participants were encouraged to share experiences, exchange ideas, and form alliances that could lead to future collaborations and joint advocacy efforts.
The significance of this workshop extends beyond Bosaso by empowering women in politics through communication and social media training, it contributes to the broader goal of achieving gender equality in political representation. When women have equal opportunities to participate in decision-making processes, societies benefit from diverse perspectives, inclusive policies, and more representative governance.
The workshop was implemented with support from the United Nations Support Office in Somalia – UNSOM
