Women’s Role in Community Engagement and National Reconstruction in Post-Conflict Somalia.

This study examines the role of women in community engagement and national reconstruction in post-conflict Somalia, with particular attention to their contributions to peacebuilding, social cohesion, economic recovery, and governance. The study adopts a qualitative desk-review design based on secondary source analysis. It draws on peer-reviewed academic literature, policy documents, and reports published by international organizations, including the United Nations, World Bank, UNDP, and the African Union, to analyze how women contribute to rebuilding society in a fragile post-conflict context. Using thematic analysis, the study identifies the main areas in which women influence recovery processes at both community and national levels. The findings show that women play a vital role in informal leadership, conflict mediation, reconciliation, household and local economic resilience, and advocacy for inclusive governance. At the same time, the study finds that these contributions remain under-recognized within formal political and institutional structures due to persistent cultural, political, and economic barriers. The paper contributes to the literature by providing an integrated Somalia-specific analysis of women’s roles across interconnected dimensions of reconstruction, rather than treating peacebuilding, development, and community engagement as separate domains. It concludes that strengthening women’s participation and recognition is essential for sustainable peace, inclusive governance, and long-term national development in Somalia.

Women, Somalia, community engagement

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