Khadija was born in Kismayo, Somalia. Her experience of the Somali civil war helps us to understand the instrumental role played by women in constructing, sustaining, and most importantly resolving conflict. She shares how she has swapped her spot on the battlefield for one at the table of peace.
In May, as the U.S. Congress debated an expansion of its authority to intervene militarily in Somalia, our Somali partners visited Washington and Minnesota to share their innovative peacebuilding work. Isse Abdullahi directs the Social Life and Agricultural Development Organization (SADO), which provides young people with job training and conflict resolution skills. Halima Farah Godane … Continued
Sahra dreamed of an education and a peaceful life from a very young age. But when her father wanted her to marry a militant fighter her dreams were shattered. Faced with no other option, she ran away to a new city. But there her life changed. Now Sahra runs her a small tailoring business with three girls she met on a skills training course. And she is free to plan her own future, away from violence and fighting.
Two years ago, Fartun made the decision to take her three young children and flee their beautiful home. She knew if they stayed, they risked being killed by armed extremists, or succumbing to drought or famine. Despite this, Fartun’s life has been transformed for the better. With a new skillset, Fartun sees hope for her future.
Askiro fled conflict and violence in her home village, just to tragically lose her youngest son to poverty and malnutrition in another. With the help of a local organisation offering skills training and business management support, Askiro has turned the life of her family around.
Against a backdrop of bomb blasts by militant group al-Shabaab, 116 young people in Somalia recently overcame a past torn apart by conflict and clan violence, and now have the opportunity to build a better future for themselves and their communities.
To build peace, we must promote fair and sustainable development that will relieve inequalities. Inequalities can drive and perpetuate conflict, which, in turn, hinders all aspects of development – leaving conflict areas caught in a continuous struggle.
Peace Direct has been funded by the EU to launch a new project in Somalia, one of the most dangerous countries in the world. Years of civil war, famine, piracy and attacks by extremist groups have made Somalia one of the deadliest and poorest countries we have worked in so far.