Garowe, Somalia—On October 11th, 2024, Hawa Feminist Coalition marked the International Day of the Girl Child with a vibrant and inspiring event that gathered more than 30 young girls for a special drawing competition held at FEMSOM HQ in Garowe, Puntland, Somalia. The event, held at our conference hall, aimed to provide a creative platform for these young voices to express their dreams, rights, and vision for a better, more equal future. As part of our ongoing commitment to advocate for girls’ rights and leadership, Hawa Feminist Coalition brought together these budding artists to amplify their aspirations through art.
Celebrating Talent and Ambition
With pencils, markers, and colors in hand, the young participants poured their hearts into illustrations that conveyed powerful messages about their hopes and dreams. The walls of the conference hall soon transformed into a vivid tapestry of imagery—each drawing reflecting the unique perspectives of these girls. Some illustrations depicted girls leading communities, becoming doctors, teachers, and engineers. Others showcased powerful symbols of unity and equality, emphasizing the importance of education and safety for girls everywhere.
As the girls sketched, colored, and crafted their artworks, they shared stories about their aspirations and the challenges they face. They voiced concerns about the need for better education, equal opportunities, and an end to harmful practices that hinder their growth and potential. It was a moment of self-expression and empowerment, where every line drawn was a declaration of hope and a call for change.
Messages of Urgency and Hope
The drawings were not just visual representations—they were accompanied by messages that conveyed the girls’ strong determination to create a future where they can thrive. These messages highlighted the urgency of action to protect their rights and ensure that every girl can realize her full potential. Phrases like “Girls’ Education is Our Future,” “End Child Marriage,” and “Empower Us to Lead” resonated throughout the hall.
Despite the challenges, there was also an underlying theme of hope and resilience. The young artists expressed their belief in a future where their voices are heard, their rights are respected, and their dreams are achievable. The event provided them with a space to articulate not just what they want to change, but also what they are willing to work for and contribute to in their communities.
Recognizing and Encouraging Young Leaders
At the conclusion of the event, Hawa Feminist Coalition extended heartfelt gratitude to these inspiring young girls for their participation and enthusiasm. Their willingness to share their visions for the future was deeply appreciated. The organization then awarded three participants whose drawings stood out as the most attractive and impactful, acknowledging their creativity, depth of thought, and the ability to convey strong messages through art.
These awards were not merely for artistic excellence; they symbolized encouragement for these girls to continue using their voices and talents to advocate for themselves and their peers. The winners, cheered on by their friends and families, accepted their awards with pride, knowing that they were recognized not just for their art but also for the powerful messages they conveyed.
The top three winners of the drawing competition stood out among 36 submissions evaluated by a panel of judges. Their inspiring artwork earned them well-deserved recognition:
- Marwo Mohamed Osman – Selected and awarded for her vibrant and inspiring use of colorful majestic drawing representing the hope and future of Somali girls.
- Ayan Mahmoud Mohamed – Selected and recognized for her unique artistic style and compelling storytelling.
- Adno Mahmoud Mohamed – Selected and honored for her meticulous attention to detail and creative expression.
The three winners were presented with thoughtful gifts aimed at supporting their education, creativity, and overall well-being. Each winner received a set of school supplies, including notebooks, pencils, and other essential stationery, to assist them in their studies. To further encourage their artistic talents, they were also gifted art supplies such as sketch pads, colored pencils, and paints. Additionally, personal hygiene kits were provided, containing essential items like tampons and other feminine hygiene products, promoting cleanliness and self-care.
A Platform for Voices and Visions
The drawing competition was more than just an event—it was a movement, a celebration of the potential that lies within every girl. Through art, these young participants were able to communicate their desires for a better world. They reminded us all that girls are not just passive recipients of support, but active agents of change.
Hawa Feminist Coalition remains committed to nurturing these voices and providing platforms where girls can continue to speak, create, and lead. The event reaffirmed that empowering girls is not just about listening to them but also ensuring that their words inspire action.
As we celebrated the International Day of the Girl Child, we also celebrated these incredible young girls who showed us that the future they envision—one of equality, opportunity, and empowerment—is not just possible but is on the horizon. Hawa Feminist Coalition looks forward to many more such events where girls can continue to illustrate their dreams and lead the way towards a brighter, more just future.
Communications Unit
Hawa Feminist Coalition
For more: info@femsom.org or Tell: +252 907 483965 or Hotline 4523333
