Somali Culture and Women’s Political Participation in Hargeisa Region of Somaliland

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to know the role of Somali culture which is based on Somali pastoral norms and Islamic religion on the women political participation specially the participation of women for the local council and parliamentary election which was held between 2002 up to 2005 respectively. The specific objectives of this study were, to determine the effect of religion (Islam) on the political participation of women in Somaliland; to investigate the role of traditional Somali Cultural norms on the political participation of women in Somaliland and to identify the effects of the structure of the society on political participation of women in Somaliland. Questionnaires and interview were used to collect data from 100 respondents selected purposively from 1000 members of non governmental organizations, women candidates for the last two elections in Somaliland, ministry of family plan and political parts. The study found out that Somali culture and Islamic religion participate the fail of women for last elections, it also found out that Islamic scholars strongly disagree in the participation of women in decision making area and they clearly state that the religion does not permit the women to be the head of the state; it also found out that the Somali elders only campaign men candidates rather than both women and men. The government of Somaliland should come up with an official policy, which initiates national programs to include women in political, social and economic decision making; it also recommended encouraging the women in political participation.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter Page

DECLARTIONA

DECLARTION B ii

APPROVAL SHEET iv

DEDICATION v

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS vi

TABLE OF CONTENT vii

LIST OF TABLES x

OPERATIONAL DEFINITION OF KEY TERMS xi

ABSTRACT xii

One INTRODUCTION 1

Background of the Study 1

Statement of the Problem 4

Purpose of the Study 5

Research Objectives 5

Research Questions 6

Scope 6

Significance of the Study 7

Two REVIEWOF RELATED LITERATURE 9

Introduction 9

Theoretical framework 9

Global data for women political participation 13

African data for the women political participation 16

Somaliland and women political participation 18

Islam and political participation of women 20

Holding of Public office of women and Islam 21

The Right to vote of women in Islam 22

Running for Elections of women and Islam religions 22

Traditional culture and women political participation 23

The structure of Society and Women political participation 24

Conclusion 26

Three METHODOLOGY 29

Introduction 29

Research Design 29

Research Population 30

Sample Frame 30

Sample Size 30

Sample Technique 31

Sample Procedure 31

Methods of data collection 31

Research Instrument 31

Questionnaire 31

Interview 32

Source of Data 32

Primary sources 32

Secondary Sources 33

Validity and Reliability 33

Data Analysis 34

Ethical Considerations 34

Limitations of the study 35

Four PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

OF DATA 36

Introduction 36

Demographic characteristics of respondents 36

Influence of Islam religion for the women candidates 39

Somali traditional culture and women political participation48

Presentation and the analysis of the interview guide 62

Five SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMME

NDATIONS 67

Introduction 67

Findings 67

Conclusions 74

Recommendations 76

Government 76

Civil Society 77

Local community 77

Other areas of research 78

REFERENCES 79

APPENDICES 82

Appendix I RESEARCH INSTRUMENT 82

A. QUESTIONNAIRE 82

B, INTERVIEW GUIDE 89

Appendix II TRANSMITTAL LETTER 90