Women, Peace and Security in Practice: Assessing Women-Led Economic Empowerment in Baidoa, Southwest State of Somalia
Victoria Wairimu Mwangi, Bashir Mohamed Hassan, Saida Ibrahim Mohamed, Suldano Moalim Omar, &
Naema Mohamed Ibrahim
Daystar University
Email: vwairimu970@gmail.com
Abstract: Women’s economic empowerment is increasingly recognized as a vital component of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda, particularly in conflict-affected settings such as Somalia. This study examined the contribution of women-led economic empowerment to peacebuilding and social cohesion in Baidoa, Southwest State of Somalia, within the framework of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325. Guided by Liberal Feminist Theory and Human Security Theory, the research adopted an interpretivist paradigm and qualitative exploratory design. Data were collected through six focus group discussions with women entrepreneurs participating in the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Women-to-Women Project, alongside key informant interviews with government officials, civil society representatives, community leaders, and development practitioners. Findings indicate that women’s entrepreneurship extends beyond income generation to enhance household welfare, strengthen community resilience, promote social cohesion, and support informal peacebuilding initiatives. Women’s savings groups and business networks emerged as important platforms for trust-building, conflict resolution, and cross-clan collaboration. However, women continue to face challenges including limited access to finance, insecurity, restrictive gender norms, inadequate infrastructure, and weak policy implementation. The study concludes that women-led economic empowerment should be positioned as a central peacebuilding strategy within Somalia’s WPS framework and recommends strengthening gender-responsive financial systems, institutional support, and women’s participation in governance and peacebuilding processes to advance sustainable peace and inclusive development.
2 Replies to “Women, Peace and Security in Practice: Assessing Women-Led Economic Empowerment in Baidoa, Southwest State of Somalia”
It was a truly wonderful time in which I learned a great deal and grew in many ways. I am sincerely grateful to those who entrusted us with this opportunity and for the team work and collaboration within the team.
I am also very happy that, for the first time, an article I contributed to has been published . This experience has given me great motivation and inspired me to continue researching and exploring even more in the future.
Alhamdullillah.
It was a truly meaningful experience, during which I learned a great things both personally and professionally. I’m sincerely grateful to those who entrusted us with this opportunity, as well as to my teammates for their collaboration and support.
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