Organized by Somalia’s Ministry of Family Affairs and Human Rights Development, the gathering highlighted the essential role of women in advancing democracy, peace, and modern governance based on the will of the Somali people. Addressing the attendees, President Hassan Sheikh outlined the federal government’s plan to hold direct elections, noting that the Southwest State of Somalia would serve as the first federal member state in the country to implement this system.

"The federal government is committed to ensuring all Somali citizens can exercise their constitutional right to vote directly,” President Hassan Sheikh said. "We call on the people of the Southwest State to participate actively and support democratic reforms.”

Fatima Aden, a community organizer from Baidoa, told Lamaane News Network, "For the first time, women and youth feel empowered to influence political decisions directly. It gives hope for accountability and fairness.” The event included public pledges from women’s groups to promote election awareness campaigns.

The federal government’s initiative is part of Somalia’s broader effort to transition from indirect, clan-based elections to direct voting, delayed in previous years by security and political challenges. Analysts suggest that a successful pilot in the Southwest State could serve as a model for other federal member states, demonstrating the feasibility of nationwide electoral reform.