On September 5, 2025, Hawa Feminist Coalition proudly hosted a Solidarity Event at its headquarters in Garowe, Puntland, Somalia, bringing together girls- and women-led organizations, grassroots groups, and young women leaders closely connected to Hawa Feminist Coalition’s movement.
The powerful and inspiring gathering convened 30+ young women leaders, local organizations, and community advocates to celebrate women’s empowerment and leadership, while motivating young girls to become confident and active leaders within their communities.
A Space for Connection, Recognition, and Inspiration
The Solidarity Event created a safe and energizing space for collaboration, reflection, and celebration. Participating organizations included Hanbile Youth Development Initiative, Midnimo Women Network, Female Lawyer Advocacy Group, alongside independent young women activists and leaders from Garowe.
Beyond congratulatory and encouraging remarks, the event intentionally highlighted and recognized the outstanding contributions of women-led initiatives making tangible impact at the community level.
Honoring Impactful Women-Led Initiatives
Hawa Feminist Coalition proudly awarded Hanbile Youth Development Initiative, an emerging young women-led group based in Garowe, Puntland. The initiative was recognized for its recent achievement of successfully training 40 young girls in leadership and empowerment—completely free of charge. This remarkable effort has strengthened the confidence, skills, and leadership capacity of young girls, contributing meaningfully to shaping the next generation of women leaders in Puntland.
Hawa Feminist Coalition also honored Mrs. Ifrah Abdinor Farah, Director of Midnimo Women Network, with a special award recognizing her continued dedication to empowering women and her unwavering commitment to advancing gender equality within the community.
In addition, Hawa Feminist Coalition recognized its own internal leadership by honoring Ms. Fatima Jama Duale, Finance Officer at Hawa Feminist Coalition, as the Best-Performing Female Staff Member, acknowledging her hard work, passion, and steadfast commitment to the organization’s mission and values.
Voices of Encouragement and Commitment
The event featured inspiring speeches from Ms. Marian Mohamed Hussein, Co-Founder of Hawa Feminist Coalition, and Ms. Iman Abdirahman, Community Building Officer, who delivered powerful messages encouraging young girls to pursue leadership, believe in their potential, and actively shape their futures.
Representatives from partner organizations also addressed the audience. Ms. Maria Salad Hassan of Hanbile Youth Development Initiative and Mrs. Ifrah Abdinor Farah of Midnimo Women Network reaffirmed their commitment to youth empowerment, emphasizing that they are “ready to continue and expand their efforts.”
From the legal advocacy space, Ms. Ubah Mohamed Mohamud of the Female Lawyer Advocacy Group expressed her readiness to continue advocating for young women’s rights and promoting volunteerism among youth as a pathway to leadership and social change.
Ending in Joy, Culture, and Unity
The Solidarity Event concluded with a vibrant and joyful celebration. Participants came together to enjoy traditional Kaban music, singing, and dancing—an expression of unity, pride, and shared purpose. The moment symbolized the strength, resilience, and solidarity of women in Garowe and beyond.
The Solidarity Event was a resounding success—not only in recognizing impactful work, but in inspiring and mobilizing the next generation of women leaders. Through such spaces, Hawa Feminist Coalition continues to play a vital role in advancing gender equality, feminist leadership, and community-driven engagement across Somalia.
Together, Somali women are rising—stronger, connected, and united in purpose.
