Women’s political participation and service delivery in Mogadishu Somalia from a human rights based perspective

This study examines the relationship between women’s political participation and service delivery in Mogadishu, Somalia, from a human rights-based and governance perspective. Using a quantitative cross-sectional survey design, primary data were collected from 178 respondents drawn from local government institutions, civil society organizations, and community leadership structures. Descriptive statistics indicate strong perceptions that women’s political participation enhances accountability, transparency, and the quality of social services. However, a Pearson correlation analysis reveals a weak and statistically nonsignificant negative relationship between women’s political participation and service delivery ( r = − 0.125, p = 0.096). Hierarchical multiple regression analysis further confirms that women’s political participation does not significantly predict service delivery outcomes after controlling for gender, education level, and professional experience (β = − 0.110, p = 0.153). The full model explains only 2.5% of the variance in service delivery. These findings suggest that although women’s political participation is a widely valued norm, structural, institutional, and contextual constraints, particularly in fragile governance settings, limit its measurable impact on public service delivery. The study highlights the need for institutional reforms that move beyond numerical representation to strengthen women’s substantive decision-making power. The findings underscore the importance of addressing institutional and structural barriers to translate political participation into effective service delivery outcomes.