Dhobley, 9 March, 2026 – The African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) Sector 2 personnel joined the global community in commemorating International Women’s Day (IWD) on 8 March. The mission commended the achievements of women and reaffirmed its commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment.
The annual event highlighted the importance of investing time, resources and support to women as a pathway to accelerate global prosperity and advance gender equality.
At Dhobley Main Operating Base (MOB), the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Female Engagement Team hosted a celebration for female personnel from the Sierra Leone Formed Police Unit (SLFPU), Jubaland Police Force, Dhobley General Hospital staff, and women from neighboring villages. The event served as a platform to recognise and appreciate women’s contributions across the security, health, and community sectors.
In his address, Dhobley Main Operating Base Commander, Col. Morris Wasomi, emphasised the significance of International Women’s Day as a moment to recognise the achievements, resilience, and leadership of women in society.
“Today, we celebrate the progress women have made and reaffirm our commitment to supporting their empowerment. I also commend the Female Engagement Team for their dedication and the meaningful impact they continue to make within the Dhobley community,” said Col. Wasomi.
At Kismayo Main Operating Base, Jubaland Member of Parliament, Hon. Deka Aden Mohamed, who was the guest of honour, commended female troops for their dedication to the stabilisation mission, noting that women play a critical role in the success of security operations.
“I urge you to carry out your duties with boldness and confidence as a tribute to the women who have fought tirelessly for gender equality,” she said. She further encouraged them to pursue independence and support one another through collaboration rather than competition,” she added.
Community engagement
The 2MOB Commanding Officer, Lt. Col. Galgalo Liban, praised the female personnel for their sacrifice, resilience and professionalism in the mission. He noted that women bring valuable perspectives that strengthen daily operations, reaffirming the force’s commitment to empowering female troops through mentorship and leadership opportunities.
Representatives from the KDF, the SLFPU and Jubaland security forces also shared their experiences as women in uniform, discussing challenges faced and exploring ways to strengthen mutual support in their daily duties.
In the days leading up to the event, Sector 2 female personnel conducted Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) outreach programmes at Kismayo Level II hospital, focusing on mental health, wellbeing, maternal health and family planning during and after pregnancy. The initiative forms part of AUSSOM’s broader effort to strengthen relations with local communities.
Also present at the event were Jubaland Members of Parliament Shire Abdi Mohamed, Foss Ali Abdirahman and Juvenile Humanitarian and Development Organization (JUHDO) Founder and Director, Mrs. Halima Ali Osman.
This year’s celebration comes 115 years after the first International Women’s Day was observed in 1911, marking more than a century of advocacy and progress toward gender equality.
