The Somali Girls Rights Development Organisation (SGRDO) convened a Cross SD Meeting in Baraawe, South West State of Somalia, under the theme:
“Establishing a Collaborative Framework between the Police, CSOs, and Women to Advance and Safeguard Women’s Rights.”
Held on 14–15 May 2025, the meeting served as a platform to enhance cooperation among security institutions, civil society organizations, and women’s groups in order to protect and promote women’s rights at the district and state levels.
Objectives of the Meeting
The Cross SD Meeting was designed to:
- Build a collaborative framework between the police, CSOs, and women’s organizations.
- Promote women’s safety and rights through inclusive security and governance structures.
- Strengthen coordination among stakeholders in Baraawe district to ensure sustainable protection mechanisms.
- Empower women to actively engage in local security and justice processes.
Participants
The event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including:
- Police representatives from South West State
- Civil society organizations (CSOs)
- Women’s rights advocates and grassroots leaders
- Local government officials and community representatives
Outcomes and Significance
Participants engaged in rich discussions, highlighting both opportunities and challenges in creating effective cooperation between communities and law enforcement. The meeting emphasized that:
- Women’s inclusion is central to building fair and accountable security systems.
- Stronger trust and communication channels between police and communities are vital to protecting women’s rights.
- A rights-based and participatory approach will ensure that women’s voices shape the future of security and governance in South West State.
Moving Forward
The Cross SD Meeting represents a crucial step toward building responsive, inclusive, and collaborative security systems in Somalia. SGRDO reaffirmed its commitment to continue working with local and international partners to ensure that women’s rights remain a top priority in policy and practice.
