Hawa Feminist Coalition hosted the Young Feminist Activists’ Sisterhood and Solidarity Night at its headquarters in Garowe, Puntland, Somalia, on 29 June 2026. The inspiring gathering brought together more than 35 Hawa Feminist Coalition staff, members, young feminist activists, young women leaders, and representatives of allied young women-led grassroots organizations based in Garowe.
Filled with music, motivational speeches, shared experiences, and messages of encouragement, the event created a safe and welcoming space for young feminist activists to connect, celebrate their achievements, strengthen relationships, and renew their collective commitment to advancing the rights and dignity of women and girls in Somalia.
The event was organized to strengthen the young feminist-led movement in Somalia and energize grassroots efforts to prevent and respond to sexual and gender-based violence. Participants reflected on the urgent need for continued collective action against rape, domestic violence, female genital mutilation, child marriage, and all other forms of violence and discrimination affecting women and girls.
The gathering also highlighted the importance of sustained advocacy for stronger laws, policies, and accountability mechanisms that protect women and girls from violence and guarantee their rights, safety, equality, and full participation in society.
Among the grassroots organizations represented were Waves of Somali Innovative Art (WOSIA), Hanbile Youth Development Initiatives, Sports for Justice Somalia, Midnimo Women Network, and Ayaan Initiatives, among others. These organizations are leading important grassroots movements across Puntland and using art, sport, community mobilization, advocacy, and youth engagement to advance gender equality and women’s rights.
Strengthening Somalia’s Feminist Movement
Ms. Iman Warsame, Movement Building Officer at Hawa Feminist Coalition, welcomed the participants and representatives of allied organizations. She shared updates on the Coalition’s progress in building a strong, inclusive, and resilient feminist movement capable of leading progressive and lasting change within communities across Somalia.
She emphasized that sisterhood, solidarity, collective care, and collaboration among young women-led organizations are essential for sustaining feminist activism and confronting the structural inequalities facing women and girls.
Mrs. Leila Ali, Founder and Executive Director of Waves of Somali Innovative Art, spoke about the transformative power of art in advancing women’s rights. She shared how creative expression can help young women claim their voices, challenge harmful social norms, raise awareness, and mobilize communities against violence and discrimination.
She reaffirmed her commitment to expanding feminist art and creative advocacy initiatives across Somalia and supporting more young women to use art as a tool for resistance, healing, empowerment, and social transformation.
Ms. Marian Hussein, Acting Executive Director of Hawa Feminist Coalition, commended the courage, leadership, and dedication of the young women activists and grassroots organizations participating in the event.
She encouraged them to deepen their collaboration, remain resilient, and intensify their collective efforts until all women and girls in Somalia can fully enjoy their rights, dignity, safety, freedom, and equality.
Recognizing Feminist Leadership Through Art
During the event, Hawa Feminist Coalition presented Mrs. Leila Ali with a Certificate of Recognition in sincere appreciation of her courageous and inspiring use of art as a powerful voice for social justice, feminist advocacy, and community transformation in Somalia. Her creativity, leadership, and commitment have contributed significantly to amplifying the dignity, visibility, experiences, and voices of Somali women and girls.
Mrs. Leila Ali also received a Letter of Appreciation recognizing her outstanding contribution as the facilitator of the Feminist Art Training Workshop held from 13 to 17 June 2026 in Galkacyo, Puntland, Somalia, and the subsequent Art Exhibition and Public Engagement Campaign held on 18 June 2026.
Through these activities, she supported young Somali women to use drawing, visual storytelling, and feminist expression to challenge silence, raise awareness, and advocate for gender justice, bodily autonomy, women’s political inclusion, and an end to violence against women and girls.
Building a Future Rooted in Solidarity
The Young Feminist Activists’ Sisterhood and Solidarity Night reaffirmed Hawa Feminist Coalition’s commitment to creating spaces where young women activists can connect, learn from one another, celebrate their contributions, and build collective power. The event demonstrated that feminist movements become stronger when young women stand together, share knowledge, support one another, and organize across different communities and areas of work.
