By Hassan Sheikh Ali

Distinguished representatives of the European Union, Representatives of the United Nations, Development partners, Members of the Judiciary, Representatives of Federal Member States, Our future women legal professionals, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Assalamu Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh. Today is a proud day for Somalia's justice sector.

The official launch of the Women Legal Internship Programme represents more than the commencement of an internship. It reflects a national policy commitment to transform our justice institutions into systems that are more inclusive, equitable and representative of the society they serve.

Justice cannot be fully achieved when half of our population remains underrepresented in the institutions responsible for delivering it.

Women continue to face barriers in entering and advancing within legal and judicial professions. Although increasing numbers of women graduate from our universities with law degrees, too many struggle to obtain the practical experience necessary to begin successful professional careers.

This programme directly addresses that challenge. By creating structured opportunities for women graduates to gain practical experience within justice institutions, we are investing in the next generation of judges, prosecutors, legal advisers, advocates, corrections professionals and institutional leaders.

This initiative also contributes directly to the implementation of Somalia's Justice Sector Strategy, the National Transformation Plan, our constitutional commitment to equality and inclusion, and our broader efforts to strengthen the rule of law.

But our vision goes beyond increasing numbers. We want to build justice institutions that understand and respond to the diverse needs of the communities they serve. Women legal professionals bring valuable perspectives and experiences that strengthen institutional effectiveness, improve public confidence and enhance access to justice, particularly for women, children and vulnerable communities.

An inclusive justice system is ultimately a stronger justice system. I am encouraged by the rigorous and transparent process that led to the selection of this first cohort and by the quality of the young professionals joining us today. I am equally pleased that many of them have already demonstrated excellence by successfully passing the recent National Bar Examination.

This gives us confidence that Somalia possesses the talent required to transform its justice institutions.

I also wish to emphasize that this programme should not be viewed as a standalone initiative. Rather, it should become part of a broader national effort to develop professional career pathways for women within the justice sector through scholarships, internships, mentorship, professional development and leadership opportunities.

To our development partners, particularly the European Union, Kingdom of Netherlands, and UNDP, allow me to express the Government's sincere appreciation for your continued partnership. Your support extends beyond projects; it contributes to strengthening institutions, expanding opportunities and building lasting national capacity.

To our interns, today's launch marks the beginning of a professional journey built on public service, integrity and leadership. Somalia's justice sector needs your talent, your commitment and your determination.

I encourage you to work hard, uphold the highest ethical standards and seize every opportunity to learn. We look forward to seeing many of you become future judges, prosecutors, legal advisers, senior public servants and leaders of our justice institutions.

As a Government, we remain committed to creating greater opportunities for women within the justice sector and to ensuring that this programme becomes a foundation for lasting institutional transformation.

Together, let us continue building a justice system that is professional, inclusive, accountable and accessible to every Somali citizen.

Thank you very much. Wabillahi Tawfiiq.

This speech was delivered by Hassan Sheikh Ali, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Federal Government of Somalia at the launch of the National Women Internship Programme, held on 22 July 2026 in Mogadishu. The programme is implemented under the Joint Justice and Corrections Programme (JJCP) 2023–2027, a joint initiative of UNDP, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the United Nations Transitional Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS), in partnership with the Federal Government of Somalia and the Federal Member States. With a total budget of US$16.3 million, financed primarily by the European Union and the Kingdom of the Netherlands through the Somalia Joint Fund (SJF), the programme supports the development of a Somali-owned, people-centred justice and corrections system. It aims to strengthen public trust in justice institutions, promote integration between formal and community-based justice mechanisms, and improve equitable access to justice for women, young people, minority communities and other vulnerable groups across Somalia. 

Read more about JJCP: https://www.undp.org/somalia/projects/joint-justice-and-corrections-programme-jjcp