Empowered Women Leads to Thriving Communities: How the RISE Project Transformed Lives

Following decades of brutal conflict, the ongoing impact of climate crises, and deep-seated cultural barriers, women in Somalia have often been sidelined in leadership and development roles. Traditional gender norms have historically restricted their participation in decision-making and economic activities, reinforcing the idea that leadership and financial independence are primarily male domains.

In the political sphere, women’s representation in government and leadership remains disproportionately low, leading to their perspectives being largely absent from key policies that shape economic development and public welfare.

However, despite these challenges, Somali women continue to defy the odds. An estimated 30-40% of households are currently led by women, with numbers increasing amid recurring crises. This shift highlights the resilience and adaptability of Somali women, who consistently rise to the occasion when adversity strikes.

Recognizing the need to support women’s leadership, economic empowerment, and social development, Sadar Institute launched one of its most impactful initiatives to date: Resilience in the Somalia Education Sector (RISE) Project. Through a holistic approach that integrates financial independence, education, health services, leadership training, and social support, the project has empowered women across various sectors—fishing, farming, and trade—enabling them to rewrite their narratives and secure a brighter future. Here are some powerful testimonials from women whose lives have been transformed by the RISE Project.

Casting a Wider Net: Women in the Fishing Industry

For Fatuma Magalow Abdi, chairperson of the Hibo Fish Cooperative in Kismayo, fishing was once a male-dominated industry. Limited access to resources forced her and other women to rely on intermediaries to bring their fish to market, leaving them with little control over pricing and profits. But the RISE Project changed everything.

Through vocational training, financial literacy programs, and the provision of essential fishing equipment—including motorized boats, cold storage, and safety gear—Fatuma and her cooperative members have taken control of their trade.

“Before, we depended on others to bring our fish to market, and they dictated the prices. Now, we control our own supply chain. We fish, process, and sell independently. This has changed our lives completely,” she shares.

Beyond economic empowerment, the RISE Project has fostered women’s leadership in the fishing industry. Fatuma and her peers are no longer just workers; they are decision-makers shaping the future of their trade.

Harvesting Hope: Women in Agriculture

In Puntland’s arid lands, Hawa Mohamud Abdi faced significant challenges due to outdated irrigation methods that wasted water and limited her farming capacity. However, when the RISE Project introduced modern irrigation technology, everything changed.

“The drip irrigation system conserves water and ensures a steady yield. Before, I only grew leafy greens—now, I cultivate fruits, grains, and even rice,” Hawa explains.

By incorporating climate-smart farming techniques and financial training, the project has not only increased agricultural productivity but has also enhanced women’s economic independence. Female farmers now have access to markets, financial resources, and business skills to scale their operations sustainably.

For Faadumo Ahmed Hussein, a farmer in El-Buh, the introduction of greenhouse technology revived her crops and provided a stable income. The project also established mentorship programs and social support networks, connecting women with experienced farmers and legal advisors, ensuring their success in agribusiness.

Milking Opportunities: Women in Livestock Farming

Livestock farming is another avenue where the RISE Project has transformed women’s lives. By providing high-quality dairy goats and training in advanced livestock management, women like Faadumo Ahmed Hussein have seen remarkable improvements in their dairy production.

“The goats we received produce more milk than the ones we had before. The extra milk provides essential nutrition for our children and an additional source of income for our families,” she notes.

Beyond increasing milk production, the project has enhanced access to veterinary services, ensuring livestock health and sustainability. Additionally, training in financial literacy and cooperative management has enabled women to participate in community decision-making and economic planning.

Educating for a Sustainable Future

The RISE Project acknowledges that education is the foundation of empowerment. In Bursaalah, a young student, Maido Abdulfatah Hanshi, has witnessed firsthand how access to clean water and improved school infrastructure can transform education.

“Before, we had to leave school to fetch water, often missing classes. Now, we have a steady supply of clean water and even a school garden where we grow vegetables,” she says.

By improving literacy rates and expanding educational opportunities for women and girls, the RISE Project is laying the groundwork for future leaders, professionals, and entrepreneurs. Scholarships, vocational training, and leadership workshops are equipping young women with the skills they need to pursue diverse career paths.

The success of the RISE Project is not just measured in statistics—it is reflected in the transformed lives of Somali women who are now shaping their own destinies. From fishing villages to farmlands, from classrooms to community centres, these empowered women are redefining societal norms, driving economic growth, and fostering resilient communities.

With continued investment in women’s empowerment, Somalia is not just supporting individual success stories—it is securing a stronger, more prosperous future for generations to come. When women rise, communities thrive, and the impact of their leadership knows no bounds.