Somali culture and women’s political participation in Mogadishu, Somalia, 2010–2025

Women’s political participation is essential to inclusive governance and democratic consolidation, yet women remain markedly underrepresented in Somalia’s formal political institutions. This study examines how cultural norms, clan-based systems, and religious interpretations shaped women’s political participation in Mogadishu between 2010 and 2025. Using an interpretivist qualitative design with a phenomenologically informed orientation, the study draws on semi-structured interviews with 23 purposively selected key informants, including female politicians and former candidates, women’s rights advocates, civil society leaders, clan elders, religious leaders, and governance and electoral actors. Thematic analysis, supported by NVivo, indicates that patriarchal gender norms define leadership as male, while clan gatekeeping converts those norms into practical control over nomination, negotiation, and access to office. Social stigma and anticipated reputational costs also lead some women to limit their own political engagement. Religious discourse has a dual effect: restrictive interpretations can legitimize exclusion, whereas interpretations grounded in justice, consultation, and accountability can provide moral support for women’s leadership. The study argues that these mechanisms interact, helping to explain why formal quotas may increase numerical representation without producing substantive political influence. Context-sensitive reform should therefore combine transparent quota implementation with direct engagement of clan institutions, community networks, and religious authorities.