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The participation of Somali women as political candidates was non-existent before the civil war. Women are now becoming involved and presenting themselves with the support of the government, local NGOs and the community. These women politicians are frequently liasing with women and men from the diaspora community in Europe and North America. Women have been influential in forging new links and in making alliances across the country; an activity previously limited by regional and clan loyalties. Barako Family Health and Education is one of the local NGOs encouraging women's participation in the political arena and in national and networking.

Women became cynical about politics during the war years, but were instrumental in changing attitudes to the conflict and taking up a role as peacemakers. After the war, women were preoccupied with survival and a return to normality, but after some years of stability, women are slowly becoming more involved in the political process, and are starting to take a prominent role in public life.

There has also been a proliferation of women's groups in recent years, working in many areas, such as health, education and business. This holds true only in the urban areas; nomadic women are a long way from participating in public life.