Negative cultural and religious practices There still exists bad cultural and - religious practices among some ethnic minority.communities that could prevent women from paiticipating in political process. For instance the Somali community is conservative Muslim, and does not provide public space for women. Girls are excluded even from. religious education, which are reserved.for boys. Thus, women grow up in unfriendly environment that hampers their self-confidence and leadership Culturally its taboo for women to play any political role in Somali community. 5. Lack of empowerment, and .self- esteem Some minority women especially in the rural areas and urban poor because of poverty and lack of education are not empowered and lack self-esteem and the confidence to participate in the political process of their countries. They are poor, uneducated and lack the political skills to succeed in competitive politics. 6. Denial of rights by governments Some governments have intentionally marginalized and - denied rights to minority communities in their countries and thereby minority women. This is especially so in Ethiopia where ethnic Somali women minority in Ogaden region face a lot of challenges that impede their ability to participate in the political. process because of the conflict in Ogaden Region of Ethiopia. Women lack the basic skills like education to know their