MOGADISHU (Halbeeg News) – Zakiya Hussein Ahmed has, once again, made history as the first woman to become a general in Somali police forces barely two weeks after she became the first female deputy police chief.
Ms. Ahmed was among a host of new military chiefs who, were appointed by President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo.
In a ceremony held at Police headquarters in Mogadishu, Somali Prime Minister, Hassan Ali Kheire has decorated Ms. Ahmed with stars.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Kheire commanded Somali females in the armed forces for their commitment to the peace restoration and rebuilding of the country.
“There is no nation succeeds if there is no equal rights within the society. When women are 50% of Somali population and their rights are neglected, we will not be able to build the Somali nation which can compete with our neighbouring countries,” he said.
Mid this month, Somali President Abdullahi Farmajo appointed Ms. Zakiya to the position of general and deputy chief of the Somali Police Force.
Zakia became the first woman to hold such a top position in Somalia.
With over 14 years of experience, Zakiya has had many firsts.
She was appointed the new Director of Community Policing at the Somali Police Force in 2014, making her the first woman in many years to hold such a senior position.
Before that, she had been the chief commander of community policing and public relations at the Mogadishu-based national agency.
Zakiya is a proponent of gender equity and has been an advocate for the youth, serving as the secretary general of the Hanoolaato Party, a Somali youth advocacy group.
With a Master’s degree in International Relations and a postgraduate certificate in Diplomacy in Islam, Zakiya has also worked as the programme manager and researcher for the Heritage Institute for Policy Studies and a part-time university lecturer at the University of Somalia.
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