Title: Gender-Based Violence In Somaliland: An Integrative Review Of Prevalence, Causes, And Responses
Authors: Dr. Mustafe Mahamoud Abdillahi
Volume: 9
Issue: 8
Pages: 101-117
Publication Date: 2025/08/28
Abstract:
This integrative review examined the prevalence, causes, and responses to gender-based violence (GBV) in Somaliland by synthesizing existing literature from 2020 to 2024. The study revealed that GBV remains pervasive, with 38-45% of ever-married women experiencing intimate partner violence and 98% of girls subjected to female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C). However, underreporting was widespread, with 89% of survivors avoiding formal reporting due to stigma, fear of retaliation, or distrust in institutions. The review identified multiple forms of GBV, including physical, sexual, psychological, economic, and structural violence, all reinforced by patriarchal norms, legal gaps, and economic disparities. Cultural practices, such as clan-based mediation, diverted 88% of GBV cases from formal courts, while discriminatory laws and underfunded institutions perpetuated impunity. Economic violence, marked by a 43% gender wage gap and financial control in marriages, traps women in abusive relationships. Despite progressive policies like the 2018 Sexual Offenses Act, implementation challenges persisted, including limited access to justice and healthcare services. Interventions by NGOs and UN agencies showed mixed effectiveness, with urban-rural disparities and funding shortages undermining sustainability. The review highlighted critical research gaps, particularly the absence of longitudinal studies and the exclusion of marginalized groups. Recommendations included harmonizing legal systems, expanding economic opportunities for women, integrating GBV services into healthcare, and adopting survivor-centered data systems. The findings underscored the need for a multi-sectoral approach to address the systemic roots of GBV in Somaliland, combining legal reforms, community engagement, and institutional strengthening to achieve gender justice.