The lower house has approved a bill providing for a 30% quota for women in the Somali parliament. Although the parliament has yet to ratify the bill, it is one more step towards the feminization of politics in Somalia.

It is a long-term struggle in a society that is both patriarchal and traditionalist, but progress is visible. In the early 2000s, women accounted for only 8% of parliamentarians. By 2012, they were 14%. Today, 80 women sit in both houses of parliament, almost a quarter of the positions. But the 30% mark, which has been debated for years, has never been crossed.

With this promising vote, activists hope to break the glass ceiling. The text was approved by a large majority, with only seven votes against, proof of a change of mentality, even if there are some disgruntled people.

It remains to be seen whether this text is endorsed, and to what extent it is applied.