On February 24, 2025, Hawa Feminist Coalition proudly launched a groundbreaking project aimed at addressing the critical gaps in mental health and psychosocial support for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) in Somalia. The launch event, held at the Hawa Feminist Coalition’s headquarters in Garowe, brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, civil society representatives, and community leaders, to discuss the urgent need for mental health interventions among drought-displaced populations.
Ms. Nadira Abdirahman Mohamed, a member of the project team, introduced the initiative, highlighting its mission to provide essential mental health services to GBV survivors suffering from conditions such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In her remarks, she emphasized the project’s two-pronged approach: training 100 young women volunteers in mental health and psychosocial support skills, and establishing grassroots support groups in drought-affected communities to ensure sustainable service delivery. Through this initiative, Hawa Feminist Coalition aims to reach more than 50,000 survivors, bridging a crucial gap in Somalia’s mental health response.
Following the project presentation, Hawa Feminist Coalition’s Acting Executive Director, Ms. Mariam Hussein, underscored the organization’s unwavering commitment to supporting GBV survivors. She commended the project’s innovative model, which not only provides immediate relief but also builds long-term community capacity for mental health support.
Ms. Ifrah A. Farah, Chairperson of Midnimo Women Network, a leading coalition of women-led organizations in Puntland, also spoke at the event. She lauded the initiative’s relevance, noting that GBV cases have surged in recent years, leaving survivors with devastating physical and psychological trauma. She called for increased investment in mental health services as a vital component of gender justice efforts in Somalia.
Similarly, Mr. Abdirahman Mohamed Hassan, a representative of Puntland NGO Network (PUNTNGO), emphasized the importance of sustainable mental health interventions. He praised the project’s focus on training young women as service providers, highlighting its potential to build lasting support structures within grassroots communities. Unlike short-term humanitarian efforts, he noted, this initiative lays the foundation for long-term resilience and recovery.
All participants at the event expressed their appreciation to the Loss and Damage Youth Coalition for funding this vital and much-needed project.
As Somalia continues to grapple with the compounded effects of drought, conflict, and GBV, mental health remains one of the most underfunded and neglected areas in humanitarian response. The launch of this project marks a significant step towards changing that reality. Stakeholders at the event echoed a unified call for continued investment in mental health services and the expansion of community-led interventions.
Hawa Feminist Coalition remains dedicated to ensuring that GBV survivors receive the support they need to heal and rebuild their lives. This initiative is not just about providing services—it’s about empowering communities, fostering resilience, and advocating for a future where mental health is recognized as a fundamental human right.
Stay tuned for updates as we implement this transformative project, and join us in our mission to create a safer, healthier future for all.
