Saturday, March 09, 2013
Ceremonies in Mogadishu, Garowe, Bosaso, Hargeisa and other Somali towns were held under the theme "A promise is a promise: Time for action to end violence against women".
UN Special Representative to Somalia Augustine Mahiga said Somalis should take into account the strides the country has made in women's rights, adding that there is still a ways to go.
"We must not forget those women who remain powerless in Somalia and those who are subjected to violence and discrimination," he said in a statement. "Violence against women is still a reality in Somalia; it is imperative that all allegations of sexual violence and violence against women are investigated fully and perpetrators are brought to justice."
"Somali women have clearly demonstrated their potential in participating, resolving conflict, building and bringing prosperity to the nation," he said. "This natural resource must be fully tapped in the new Somalia."