Former Deputy Prime Minister, Fawzia Yusuf Haji Adam announced her presidential bid in the upcoming 2021 Somalia elections. She is currently the only female candidate in the race for presidency.
“My sole aim is to breathe a new lease of life into Somalia. Our political ideology and beliefs are at the heart and soul of our political trajectory in deciding the best way forward for my nation, “ said Fawzia who is currently serving as a member of the Somali parliament.
Although Fawzia competes against a dozen male candidates for this position, she is not deterred.
“We have been waiting for men for so long to sort out the problems of Somalia but till today we see there are no solutions so I have decided to stand for president and I have no doubt I will do a much better job than men. Islam does not stop women from going to politics or becoming head of state or in higher positions. If you go to Bangladesh, for the last 50 years there are women leaders replacing each other and it is the most conservative country in the Muslim world. The most populous country is Indonesia, there was a lady who was in charge, in Pakistan, we have so many other Muslim women [in charge] including Tanzania and Singapore” she added.
Somalia is a Muslim nation with conservative traditions that make a majority of its citizens reject female leadership. Fawzia will have to overcome these Islamic and deep-rooted Somali cultures that regard men as the only custodians of leadership in her campaign to win. Fawzia Adam would be the second woman to run for presidency in Somalia following Fadumo Dayib who ran in 2016. Her previous positions in government include former Deputy Prime Minister and former Foreign Affairs Minister. If successful, she would be the first female president in Somalia.
