ATMIS trains Gender Officers in the field of women’s rights and gender equality

Mogadishu, September 19, 2024 – Thirty-two military and police officers from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) completed training on mainstreaming women’s rights and promoting gender equality in peacekeeping operations on Wednesday.

The four-day training for Gender Focal Point and Female Engagement Officers was jointly organized by the Protection, Human Rights, and Gender (PHRG) Cluster of ATMIS and the African Union Compliance Framework (AUCF). The aim was to enhance their skills in effective gender mainstreaming and contribute meaningfully to ending gender-based violence and conflict-related sexual abuse.

“Upholding women’s rights has always been part of the value system of African cultures. It is therefore imperative that we embed these values ​​in ATMIS activities and ensure that we do not harm and protect women and children in our operational areas,” said ATMIS Deputy Chief of Mission Sivuyile Bam during the opening ceremony on Sunday.

He added that equipping our Gender Focal Point officers with enhanced skills in gender mainstreaming and addressing gender-based violence would not only strengthen the operational effectiveness of ATMIS but also contribute to the broader goal of creating a more inclusive and just society in Somalia.

“This training underscores our commitment to ensuring that women’s voices are heard, their rights are protected and their contributions are valued in all aspects of our peace support operations. As we move forward, let us remember that gender equality is not just a women’s issue – it is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of sustainable peace and development,” he said.

ATMIS Police Chief Hillary Sao Kanu spoke about the importance of promoting gender equality and women’s rights within ATMIS’ military and police operations.

“This training is crucial to generate solutions to empower women, promote gender equality and overcome societal barriers such as wage gaps, gender-based violence and sexual violence. Gender equality is not just about women’s rights issues, it is about human rights and fairness,” said CP Kanu.

Acting Head of the Protection, Human Rights and Gender Cluster for ATMIS, Dr. Omar Alasow, said at the closing ceremony on Wednesday that the participants would then undergo a Training of Trainers (TOT) course so that they could share their knowledge with other officials in the sectors.

“Participants received training on various topics, including prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse, gender-based violence, human rights and protection of women, and international humanitarian law,” said Dr. Alasow.

The training also addressed Somalia’s legal policy framework for gender equality and strategies for effective collaboration with Somali women and the federal government to include women in peace and security agendas.

Sector Two Female Engagement team leader and Dhobley Women Association focal point for ATMIS, Capt. Valary Shikuku expressed gratitude for the training and stressed its importance in promoting women’s rights.

“The training allows me to support my fellow troops and the women we work with in our daily work in the sector,” said Captain Shikuku.

Assistant Superintendent of Police (AIP), Michael Oluge, emphasised the role of men in protecting women’s rights, especially during conflicts.

“I have gained invaluable knowledge and skills through this training. It was a good training experience and I urge the facilitators to consider involving more men in such trainings,” said AIP Oluge.