Contribution and challenges of integrating women into police reform in Somaliland
Authors: Abdi Hassan Hussein 
Published: November 2024

The purpose of the study was to investigate the obstacles faced by women within the police agency, assess their contributions, and develop appropriate recommendations aimed at enhancing the status of women and promoting their recruitment, retention, and advancement as police officers. In Somaliland, women encounter numerous barriers in the policing sector, which include organizational, personal, psychological, and social challenges that impede their representation. Somaliland declared its independence from Somalia in 1991, following the collapse of the central Somali government. Although it does not enjoy full international recognition, Somaliland has effectively established a stable government, developed functional state institutions, and conducted democratic elections. The country has focused on enhancing its security framework, with the Somaliland police being formed in 1993, playing a crucial role in upholding law and order in a context of persistent regional instability. The Somaliland Police is estimated to comprise around eight thousand personnel distributed across all six regions, with approximately 5 percent representation of women in law enforcement. This research paper adopted a descriptive methodology that utilized qualitative techniques to investigate the challenges encountered by women in law enforcement. Eight key informant interviews were carried out with police personnel, representatives from civil society organizations, officials from the Ministry of Interior, UN agencies, and members of the community. Furthermore, four focus group discussions were organized, comprising women police officers, male officers, and community members. Primary data was collected through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions, while secondary data was obtained through a thematic literature review concerning the roles and obstacles associated with the integration of women into police reform. The research paper indicated that female police officers perform the same duties and responsibilities as their male counterparts, with the exception of patrolling and night shifts at police stations. Additionally, they are involved in specific activities concerning women's and children's issues, such as conducting physical checks of women entering public spaces, assisting female victims, investigating cases of harm against women, apprehending, and interviewing female offenders, addressing domestic violence and supporting victims of gender-based violence. The primary challenges faced by women in the police force in Somaliland include issues related to their attire, inadequate access to essential equipment and facilities, discrimination, imbalances between marriage, family, and work, limited understanding of the police system, and cultural obstacles. To mitigate these challenges, the research suggests increasing awareness of the roles and contributions of female police officers, conducting a capacity assessment for these personnel, improving their training and equipment, and creating a supportive environment for women, where government initiatives, in partnership with the stakeholders, and community can effectively address the challenges faced by women.