Towards Women’s Economic Independence in Somaliland

Text: Utu Förbom Photos: Nafkot Gebeyehu

Somaliland-based Agricultural Development Organization (ADO) was founded in 1993 amidst the crisis following the civil war. Operations began by providing emergency relief to people who had lost their homes, land, and livelihoods in the war, and the organization gradually grew into a significant developer of sustainable agriculture and society. 

ADO’s Executive Director, Khalid Sahid, explains that from the very beginning, the organization has also worked to strengthen the status of women and girls in Somaliland. Traditionally, the country has been governed by a conservative clan system, and clans—led by male elders—still play a central role in social, economic, and political life. While the system creates a sense of belonging and supports communities, it does not grant women a voice or influence at home or in the wider community. At its worst, gender-based discrimination leads to violence against women. 

A livelihood means access to decision-making

Women and girls have also faced the denial of rights to land ownership and control over the means of production, which has limited their opportunities to secure a sustainable livelihood and benefit from broader development projects. Without an independent income, economic independence cannot exist, and without access to community decision-making structures, one cannot influence development priorities or the allocation of resources. 

ADO advocates for the education of girls and the appointment of women to decision-making bodies. Small groups have been established for women, where they can practice entrepreneurship together and access credit—something that was previously impossible for women. According to Sahid, it is also crucial to increase women’s freedom of movement so they can pursue education and gain knowledge, for example, on agricultural practices. This helps build the community’s trust in women’s capabilities. 

Women as Breadwinners of Their Households

Real change has indeed taken place, and the position of women in supporting their families and participating in decision-making has strengthened in Somaliland. Somewhat paradoxically, this has also been influenced by climate change, which has severely affected the Horn of Africa. As livestock and crop yields have dwindled, the role of men as primary breadwinners has weakened, and many men have moved to cities in search of alternative sources of income. This has forced women to take on increasing responsibility for their families’ livelihoods. According to official statistics, over 30% of households are headed by women, but the true figure may be as high as 54–77%. 

“So, women often support their families, yet they still have very limited power and rights. There are also psychological factors, such as low self-esteem, which can make it difficult for women to make their voices heard in public forums.” 

Sahid emphasizes that authorities must support the strengthening of women’s decision-making power and guarantee their access to key resources, such as land, water, and financial services. Only in this way can women’s economic independence be fortified. 

“And that, in turn, promotes peace and good governance, which has been at the core of ADO’s work from the very beginning.”