Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) troops operating under African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS II) were joined by Somali National Police women and a group of women from Dhobley region,on Wednesday 8th March 2023 to celebrate International Women’s Day at ATMIS Sector II Headquarters in Dhobley.
The day was marked with fascinating songs that highlighted important women issues in the society. KDF female soldiers celebrated in traditional and Swahili tunes as Somali cultural songs and moves added flavor and created a comprehensive understanding of the diversity of cultures which is key in enhancing operational effectiveness in the mission area.
The Commander Sector II, Brigadier William Kamoiro, who was also the Chief guest, assured the women leaders that the ATMIS II troops shall continue to work together with them in order to enhance interoperability on gender issues. He also commended on the sacrifices made by the female ATMIS personnel to ensure there is peace and stability in the region.
‘‘I salute all the women out there who are doing wonders all around the globe and making their nations proud, including women soldiers in the frontline, who are supporting the achievement of the mission mandate. Apart from them serving in different capacities they are also the caregivers and mother’s to our soldiers who serve in the mission areas to protect their countries’’, added Brigadier Kamoiro.
Under the theme, “Embrace Equity”, the ATMIS Sector II Gender Officer, Captain Ruth Omedi spent the day assessing the roles and involvement of women in championing for peace, security and stability in Somalia.
“Today, I stand here, proud to be part of ATMIS II as a female peace keeper and actively involved in pacifying this land, that has for a very long time suffered conflict. It has indeed taken a paradigm shift in our social constructs to embrace this current state of affairs”, said sector II gender Officer.
Speaking during the celebrations, women representative in Dhobley Madam Fatuma Abdi Yusuf, thanked the ATMIS II troops for their role of empowering women in the area through the Female Engagement Teams (FET), an initiative that has improved their standards of living.
There has been an increasing trend of number of women being deployed in the frontline. This is a broad daylight indication that the KDF and ATMIS in general are committed towards embracing equality even in its operational deployment.
The Commander finally marked the International Women’s Day by donating foodstuffs as a show of love and care to the local women.
Also present during the event were, Deputy Sector Commander, Colonel Anda Safe, Dhobley town Deputy Commissioner, Muktar Mohamed, Dhobley Police Commander, Mohamed Omar, Individual Police Officer (IPO),Senior Officers, Officers and Service members.
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