On 28th October 2020, Urur Kaab co-hosted a one-day civil society reflection forum on the Sexual Offences Bill with the Somaliland Non-State Actors Forum (SONSAF), Nagaad Women Network, and Xaqdoon Law Firm. The event brought together 32 participants from 20 prominent civil society organizations which have been at the forefront in advocating for a legal framework to address sexual and gender based violence.
The objective of the forum was to examine the approaches that civil society has been using in their advocacy for the Sexual Offences Bill, types of partnerships established, what worked well and what are some of the lessons that can be drawn from the experience.
Following plenary and group discussions and presentations, the participants identified actions required to ensure that the Bill is amended in order to give justice to the victims and make sure it is adequate deterrent to potential perpetrators. The Urur Kaab team is currently compiling a report which contains recommendations for civil society and other stakeholders, including some of the good practices CSOs have adopted, challenges faced (both internal and external) and actions CSO will need to implement.
A follow-up meeting will be organized on bi-annual basis to review progress and have CSOs plan together the way forward.
Urur Kaab provides technical assistance to civil society organizations in Somaliland and Somalia to ensure that policy and legislations critical to governance and democracy reform processes in Somaliland and Somalia reflect the views of a broader swathe of civil society 
Download the full report: Civil Society Reflection Forum on Advocacy for Sexual Offences Bill (ururkaab.org)
For more information about this events and other related materials, please contact Urur Kaab team at info@ururkaab.org
