The Limits and Possibilities of the Guurti in Solving Problems in Somaliland: The Protection of Women's Rights

18 Pages Posted: 26 Nov 2014

Date Written: June 16, 2007

Abstract

This is a report written in June 2007. It is the product of field investigations carried out by the author in Somaliland (Somalia) in March and April 2007. The basic research question of this report concerns the extent to which the Guurti can solve problems in the Somaliland society, more particularly the protection of women’s rights. The body of the report has four parts. The first part of the report clarifies the concept of the Guurti. The second part explains the function of the Guurti in maintaining peace and stability in Somaliland. The third part demonstrates that the Guurti lacks the institutional capacity to solve the problem of the protection of women’s rights. The argument is that, whereas the Guurti can effectively solve security issues and maintain peace and stability, it is not as effective in protecting and promoting women’s rights. What makes the Guurti ineffective in the protection of women’s rights is exactly what makes it effective in the areas of peace, security and stability in Somaliland, namely the reliance of the Guurti on local customs and Islam. The fourth part of the report puts forth some suggestions for the amelioration of the Guurti so that it can mediate more effectively problems involving the protection of women’s rights.

Suggested Citation

Zongwe, Dunia, The Limits and Possibilities of the Guurti in Solving Problems in Somaliland: The Protection of Women's Rights (June 16, 2007). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2530587 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2530587

Dunia Zongwe (Contact Author)

Alliance University ( email )

Anekal Chandapura Road
Anekal
Bangalore, 562106
India

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