About Us
Somaliland Women’s Research and Action Group (SOWRAG) is an indigenous women’s non-Government organization formed in 1998 and registered in the same year with the Ministry of Planning. It was founded by a group of women motivated by the belief that unless there are conscious efforts by women to act immediately and upgrade their economic, social and political situation, it might be more difficult to reverse the negative trends characterized with women, and as a result lead to the total absence of women from the decision-making processes including the legal professions which may affect their livelihood.
SOWRAG is a vibrant national women’s organisation addressing the needs of all segments of the female population of Somaliland and attracting national and international support for gender equality, gender equity, women’s empowerment and involvement in development including economic, social and political dimensions.
VISION
SOWRAG envisions a just and equitable society where women live in dignity and are free from all forms of violence and discrimination
MISSION STATEMENT
To create change in the socialization and culture of power relations between women and men through advocacy, research, capacity building, information dissemination and action for equal participation at all levels.
OBJECTIVES OF THE ORGANIZATION
- Empower Somaliland women through increasing their capacity to understand their situation and devise strategies and actions aimed at meeting their needs
- Collect data and information pertaining to gender and development issues and use it to strategize and advocate for women’s rights.
- Organize and conduct trainings on a wide range of themes such as gender, women’s human rights, advocacy and lobbying and civic education
- translate research findings into practical actions aimed at improving women’s social, economic and political lives
CORE VALUES
- Mutual respect and recognition for diversity.
- Equity and justice irrespective of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, clan and region.
- Ensuring accountability and transparency in all SOWRAG affairs,
- Solidarity with the poor, powerless and socially excluded people
- Independence from any political party affiliation.
- Increasing information on relevant issues by conducting research and networking with like minded agencies
- Humanity in our presentation and behavior, recognizing that we are part of a wide society in favor of community development
PRIORITY AREAS OF WORK
Creating awareness of women’s rights; Promote respect for Women’s human rights so that they are fully accepted and practiced by all.
Poverty eradication – In order for women to realize their full potential, they must have equal access to economic activities. SOWRAG works to change the tradition of gender division of labour and create a climate that allows women to engage in economic activities of their choices.
Strengthen SOWRAG by establishing and maintaining a resource centre and developing projects aimed at empowering women socially, economically and politically, particularly female youth skills training for self reliance.
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