Backlash over photos of Somali men at UN women’s conference

Outrage has spread online after Somalia's Family Minister, Gen Bashir Mohamed Jama, posted photos from a UN women’s conference featuring himself and another male delegate, sparking criticism about men representing Somalia on women’s issues.

Somali activist Fathiya Absie condemned the move as "tone-deaf," arguing it undermines the focus on women’s rights.

The controversy also reignited discontent over renaming Somalia’s Ministry of Women to the Ministry of Family, which critics say dilutes women-specific issues.

The ministry noted that two female delegates attended but were not pictured, and pledged to prioritize women's roles in future initiatives.