Outcome SOM_D_3.1

An integrated national Programme for human capital development is established, increasing access to market-based skills for all – including the most marginalized and vulnerable groups – and safeguarding their rights.

Despite there being no direct intervention programme implemented by UN Women this year, the country office, contributed significantly to the development of the National Transformation Plan (NTP) and the UN Cooperation Framework by ensuring that human capital development priorities remained aligned with gender-responsive national goals for women and girls. UN Women provided strategic inputs to key pillars, including Sustainable Economic Transformation and Social and Human Capital Development, both of which prioritize expanding access to education, healthcare, and social protection for women, youth, internally displaced persons (IDPs), refugees, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups. These contributions helped reinforce the importance of improving learning outcomes, enhancing equitable access to essential services, and strengthening social safety nets so that marginalised communities benefit equally from national development efforts. In parallel, UN Women continued to advocate for and safeguard the rights of marginalised groups by influencing gender-responsive legal reforms, supporting community protection structures, and promoting women’s leadership within governance, peacebuilding, and justice systems. Through ongoing engagement in the Joint Rule of Law and Women, Peace and Security (WPS) programmes, UN Women strengthened pathways for women-led networks to participate in decision-making and shape local peace and security processes. These efforts ensure that even in the absence of direct programming, the foundations for inclusive skills development, rights protection, and equitable access to opportunities remain embedded in national policy frameworks and implementation mechanisms.

An integrated national Programme for human capital development is established, increasing access to market-based skills for all – including the most marginalized and vulnerable groups – and safeguarding their rights.

UN Women has been crucial in advocating for gender-responsive strategies to empower women and enhance their participation in economic activities in Somalia. It has helped design policies that address women's specific needs, boosting their access to market-based skills and workforce participation. Notably, UN Women facilitated the adaptation of the Gender SWAP Scorecard by the UN Country Team (UNCT) to track and accelerate gender equality progress across all sectors. UN Women also contributed to developing key strategies like the SoDMA Gender Strategy, the EVAW (Eliminating Violence Against Women) Strategy, and the Beijing+30 report, all aimed at creating supportive legal frameworks for women’s economic success. Through initiatives like the LEAP project, UN Women invested in technical and vocational training for women and youth, particularly those impacted by droughts and floods. This training enhanced the employability and economic independence of 440 women and young females, equipping them with skills in tailoring, henna, makeup artistry, bakery, tie-dye, and shampoo making. Additionally, financial management training and startup kits enabled graduates to launch their own businesses, improving their livelihoods and contributing to local economies. Further reinforcing these efforts, the National Action Plan (NAP) aims to combat discrimination, enhance legal access, and address gender-based violence through coordinated, multi-sectoral initiatives. Together, these measures reflect Somalia’s commitment to empowering women and advancing gender equality