On August 28, 2025, the third coordination meeting took place in the House of Representatives’ Department of Planning Hall. The primary objective of the meeting was to enable Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to meet quarterly, discuss activities completed in the past three months, and plan upcoming initiatives. Another goal was to familiarize CSOs with the various departments of the House of Representatives to foster closer collaboration.
Participants included representatives from the ISIR Institute, Center for Democracy (CDG), Soydavo, the House of Representatives Gender Office, as well as the Departments of Planning, Communication, Social Affairs, and Archive and Writing.
Abdikadir from ISIR Institute introduced the CSOs to the House of Representatives’ departments and summarized the collaborative efforts undertaken, highlighting debates conducted by ISIR and its partnerships with other CSOs. Following this introduction, each participant shared their name and outlined their organization’s activities.
CDG
Mohamed from CDG discussed the organization’s activities, particularly recent debates concerning election candidates from the House of Representatives. He emphasized CDG’s strong opposition to any delays in the election process and urged political parties and the government to refrain from actions that could postpone elections.
SOYDAVO
Mahdi from Soydavo spoke about the organization’s preparations for debates involving House representatives. He mentioned Soydavo’s efforts in lobbying for gender issues and their commitment to contributing to gender legislation, primarily Soydavo works in the eastern regions of Buroa and Arigavo.
Department of Communication
Director Abdillahi detailed the department’s work and emphasized its significant role in regulating communications, including the management of the House of Representatives’ website and social media. He encouraged CSOs to collaborate closely with the department, which can provide necessary documents and guidelines.
Department of Planning
Director Foodcade outlined the main tasks of the Planning Department, emphasizing its crucial role in coordinating activities and working closely with CSOs. He offered support to facilitate their initiatives.
Department of Social Affairs
Secretary Cabdirahman highlighted the importance of the Social Affairs Department, which advocates for social issues. He stressed the need for collaboration between CSOs and the department to advance agendas and laws that benefit the community.
House of Representatives Gender Office
Hamda, the Deputy Gender Advisor, introduced the newly established Gender Office, which focuses on advocating for gender issues and promoting relevant legislation within the House. She shared that the office has prepared a strategy and work plan that has been approved by the Chairman of the House. The office aims to collaborate with CSOs and will establish a caucus to advocate for gender-related laws.
Action Points
- The Gender Office will invite CSOs for an official launch.
- CSOs should collaborate and share information on upcoming debates.
- The Terms of Reference (TOR) will be discussed and finalized at the next meeting.
- The House of Representatives will facilitate closer collaboration with CSOs.
Closing Remarks
Abdikadir from ISIR Institute concluded the meeting by encouraging CSOs to work together, especially in debates, and emphasized the Gender Office’s commitment to supporting their activities related to gender issues.
