Somali gender analysis study commissioned by the European Union and undertaken by the Somali Institute for Development and Research Analysis in 2016 found out that Somali stood fourth in the world in terms of gender inequality with one of the highest Gender Inequality Index. The country
has very high prevalence of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and early and forced marriages. Women
participation in education, economy and politics is low and Somali traditions and customs do not accommodate women and girls needs and interests and continue to perpetuate gender inequality. Somali observes a host of international, regional and national instruments with the aim of realizing
women and girl’s empowerment and equality. However, the reality is that implementation of those provisions has been a challenge due to weak governance, limited institutional capacity and a lack of
political will in some cases. Overall, the progress made in empowering women and girls remains low.
In this light, this study examined the extent to which gender mainstreaming was carried out in the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of policy, programs and projects implemented by
Puntland Ministries Education; Health; Labor, Youth and Sports; and Planning and International Cooperation. The study aimed to provide insight that can contribute to promote equality among women and men in Puntland.
