Sofia Mohamed Ali, a 45-year-old Shibis District Women’s Chairperson in Somalia shares a powerful story of resilience and solidarity within her community. For a decade, she has tirelessly worked with the NAGAAD Network as a Women’s Rights Activist (WRA), advocating for gender justice and women’s empowerment.
She recounts the harrowing tale of Fatuma and her daughter, survivors of the same perpetrator who left the latter pregnant after heinous acts of rape. Fear and shame silenced them, until a compassionate neighbor intervened, bringing their plight to light.
Moved by their suffering, Sofia met with Fatuma, offering solace and urging her to seek justice. Despite Fatuma’s initial reluctance, fearing the perpetrator’s death threats, Sofia pledged unwavering support, drawing from her own journey as a WRA.
“I promised her that I would send them to a safe house during the justice process,” Sofia recounts, determined to stand by Fatuma every step of the way.
After heartfelt discussions, Fatuma found the courage to report the case to the police, with Sofia’s unwavering support. Sofia mobilized resources, by engaging a female lawyer and leveraging the support of the women’s coalition meetings facilitated by NAGAAD Network under the We Cannot Wait’ project.
Thanks to these concerted efforts, the perpetrator was apprehended, and arrangements were made for the survivors’ financial support upon their return home. Sofia emphasizes the pivotal role of coalition meetings, fostering collaboration and solidarity among Women’s Rights Activists (WRAs) and Women’s Rights Organizations (WROs) in Mogadishu.
“Through these meetings, we’ve built strong relationships,” she explains. “Now, when we need legal support, protection, or financial assistance for Gender Based Violence (GBV) survivors, we know whom to turn to. This collaboration was nonexistent before.”
This story is a testament to the resilience of women and the transformative impact of solidarity in the pursuit of gender justice.
