A delegation of Somali female parliamentarians, supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Somalia, is currently on a significant study tour in Nigeria. The primary objective of this tour is to empower female parliamentarians by enhancing their capacities in gender-sensitive legislative practices and parliamentary procedures through knowledge sharing and exchange.
During their visit, the delegation engaged in an interactive session with officials from the United Nations agencies and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). The session revolved around crucial discussions centered on gender-sensitive legislation, parliamentary actions aimed at safeguarding women and girls in humanitarian crises, counterterrorism measures, and sociocultural collaborations between Nigeria and Somalia.
The delegation’s agenda also included meetings with high-level government officials, featuring discussions with the leadership of the Nigeria Legislative Assembly. This strategic engagement provided an opportunity for the Somali parliamentarians to gain insights into the governance structures, bicameral legislature, cultural values, and religious systems of Nigeria, which share similarities with Somalia.
The choice of Nigeria for this study tour is underlined by the resemblances between the two nations in terms of governance structures, a bicameral legislature, cultural values, and religious systems. This collaborative initiative seeks to foster a meaningful exchange of knowledge and experiences, further strengthening the ties between the two countries and promoting advancements in gender equality and parliamentary practices.
