INFLUENCE OF EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT ON WOMEN'S PARTICIPATION IN POLITICS IN BAIDOA, SOMALIA

Abstract

This study examined the influence of educational attainment on women's political participation in Baidoa, Somalia, where women face significant barriers to political engagement despite national and international calls for greater inclusion. In Somalia's patriarchal society, with its complex clan-based politics, women's representation in governance remains below 25%, with even lower rates in rural and conflict-affected regions like Baidoa. Educational disparities compound these challenges, with women disproportionately underrepresented in both primary and secondary education. Using a descriptive research design that integrated qualitative and quantitative approaches, the study collected data from 86 respondents including voters, political leaders, community leaders, and local authority representatives. Data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics, with regression analysis revealing a strong positive relationship between educational attainment and women's political participation (β = 0.421, p = 0.000). The findings indicated that education serves as a catalyst for breaking down barriers to women's political participation (mean = 4.2674) and empowers women to engage confidently in political activities (mean = 4.419). Educational attainment explains approximately 69.5% of variation in women's political participation (R² = 0.695), suggesting its critical role in equipping women with the necessary skills, confidence, and awareness to effectively engage in politics. The study recommended increasing women's access to quality education in Baidoa, particularly in rural areas, implementing policies to remove barriers to education for women, and conducting community awareness campaigns to challenge socio-cultural norms that hinder women's political participation.