MOGADISHU, 31 March 2024 –Somalia's lawmakers approved constitutional amendments on March 30th that could undermine child rights protections, Save the Children cautiously welcomes the decision by the constitution review committee asking Somalia’s parliament to set aside articles 28 (2) and 29 touching the age definition of a child and child rights for further discussion. Save the Children renews its urgent call for Somalia's lawmakers to fully defend and preserve robust legal safeguards for children's rights and wellbeing as the constitutional process continues. The amendments in ..read more

At least 156 cases and two mortalities of confirmed Cholera infections have been reported across Somaliland in the past three months, a surprise plunging community already in dire humanitarian needs into a state of emergency.   The Cholera cases are increasing on daily basis with at least 17 new infections identified in the past 24 hours, despite efforts made by the government and humanitarian agencies including Save the Children, in curbing the outbreak. According to the reports from Somaliland health authority, 75 percent of those affected are children under the age of 5 years, and in ..read more

Joining Forces Alliance (JFA) in Somalia is comprised of four of the largest child-focused agencies, (Plan International, Save the Children International, SOS Children's Villages International, World Vision International). These organizations have joined forces to harness our collective power to accelerate change to secure Children's Rights and End Violence Against Children by implementing innovative and effective approaches around the world, driven by the voices and needs of children. Background Somalia continues to face significant challenges in addressing violence against women and girls ..read more

Somaliland Ministry of Employment, Social Affairs and Family (MESAF), in collaboration with Save the Children, recently organized a momentous event to unveil Somaliland's first ever Social Protection Policy. The ceremony served as a platform to bring together key government figures, civil society representatives, development partners, and other stakeholders, demonstrating a unified commitment to advancing societal welfare. Amidst the distinguished attendees were prominent government officials including the Minister of Planning and National Development, Deputy Minister of Social Affairs, sever ..read more

In celebration of International Women's Day and this year's theme, "Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress," comes a story of resilience, passion, and empowerment. Meet Sucdi, a 25-year-old henna and makeup artist living in Garowe, Somalia, who defied all odds to pursue her passion in the face of challenges. Despite having to leave school after completing the 8th grade due to her family's financial hardships, Sucdi was determined to create her own path. From a young age, Sucdi had a natural talent for art and makeup, often spending hours experimenting with different designs and techniques. Howev ..read more

To mark International Women's Day, we follow the story of Filsan*, a child-friendly Space Facilitator on a typical day. In highlighting her journey, we wanted to acknowledge, recognize, and praise the hard work of female teachers from across Somalia. My name is Filsan and I'm 26 years old mother of six children. From the time I was a little girl, I knew that I wanted to be a teacher. "As a child, I always knew I wanted to teach in the future," I recall. "I played teacher, helping others understand their lessons." While my peers dreamed of becoming doctors or soldiers, I was already envisionin ..read more

Gedi*, a 44-year-old schoolteacher residing in an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp in Puntland, found himself grappling with the harsh realities of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). He is the father of five children, four daughters, and a son. Four of his children attend the same school where he teaches, with his oldest in her eighth grade. Gedi* and his family lived in a makeshift home in the outskirts of the city before relocating to this camp for better life opportunities for both him and his children. In 2014, following their move, Gedi* participated, along with others in the camp ..read more

UK funding to Gaashaan project will support survivors of sexual and gender-based violence in Somalia. £15 million of funding announced during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence will empower communities and tackle child protection concerns. To mark the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence, the British Embassy Mogadishu last week announced the launch of Gaashaan, a £15 million project to help support survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. The Gaashaan project (which in Somali means “shield”), will reach over 117,000 people, offering improved access to s ..read more

Garowe, Somalia, 12 November 2023 — Minister of Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation of Puntland State, H.E Mohamed Said Farole, has today inaugurated a new 60 km feeder road contributing to government’s efforts to reduce poverty and grow economy in the drought-prone regions of Puntland.  The feeder road will connect Dahar, Sherbi and Hingalol districts. The feeder road is part of the Drought Resilience and Sustainable Livelihoods Program (DRSLP-II) project, financed by the African Development Bank through the Intergovernmental Authority on Developmen ..read more

Fawsiya* was born and raised in Las-Anod town. She was married and lived with her three children and husband in the town. She worked as a domestic worker while her husband worked as a construction worker. They used to earn enough to support their family and pay for their children’sMadrasa fees. However, their peaceful life was disrupted when fighting broke out in Las-Anod. Fawsiya* and her family fled from their home and left everything behind. They travelled to Galkaio in central Somalia, where they had some relatives who offered them a temporary shelter in one of IDPs camps. Fawsiya* and he ..read more