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Somalia's Minister of Women Says Lawmaker Quota for Females Too Low

Mohamed Sheikh Nor

   MOGADISHU - Somalia's prime minister this month announced a 30 percent
   quota for female lawmakers chosen in upcoming elections. If upheld by
   the clans, it would raise the number of female representatives in
   parliament by 6% -- but women's groups see even that slight jump as
   doubtful in patriarchal Somalia.'¯

   Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble's spokesman, Mohamed Ibrahim, says
   that the prime minister has pledged to solicit the support of clan
   elders and all stakeholders in his efforts to reach the 30 percent
   quota.

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