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A Somali Hero

"I will not give up. I would rather die in doing what I believe is the right thing to do". We've made a short three minute film with Asha Hagi Elmi, a Somali parliamentarian and peacebuilder recently profiled on Newsnight on BBC2. Watch our film and be inspired...

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Asha Hagi MP is one of the most notable peacebuilders in the world today. As founder and Chair of Save Somali Women and Children, Asha negotiated for a sixth of the seats in the transitional Somali Parliament to be allocated to women, arguing that women constitute a sixth clan. Asha on Newsnight.

Peace Direct raises funds in 2005 to enable Asha, with others, to mediate between the different factions of the parliament, which had moved to two different locations in Somalia. The meditation was successful and also led to the dismantling of roads blocks in Mogadishu. However, with the controversial invasion of Somalia by Ethiopia, which Asha opposed, her situation is uncertain.

In 2006 Peace Direct provided an urgent action grant to enable women to be represented at peace talks in Khartoum. The talks did not take place as planned, and the funds have been used to enable women in three cities in Somalia to celebrate International Womens’ Day. Women went on to the streets to clean and beautify the cities and this provided opportunities for them to meet and plan activities to strengthen the public voice for peace.

Asha is desperately in need of funds to continue her peacebuilding work, which is needed now more than ever. If you can help please give online, using the drop down menu to let us know that the funds are for Asha Hagi Elmi, or send a cheque or CAF voucher made out to Peace Direct to Susanna Bennett, Peace Direct, Development House, 56-64 Leonard Street, London EC2A 4LT. Thank you.