SIU Foundation recognizes the leading role of women in the Somali family and society and as pioneers of peace and stability. In periods of natural disaster or civil strife, Somali women play a pivotal role in family welfare and survival; it is through their resiliency, hard-work and strength that millions of people survive in the aftermath of disaster. Due to war and natural disasters, many women in Somalia have become the main breadwinners of their families.
Even though women are creative in the ways that they earn income, in general they do not have the skills to expand their businesses further.
Women-headed families and children are also among the most vulnerable groups during emergencies.
SIU Foundation has prioritized the empowerment of women and has developed specialized skills training and income generation programs such as the establishment of markets, handcraft, tailoring, kick-start grocery shops, livestock restocking and management of small mills from the time of their inception.
SIU Foundation will continue to support women and girls in order to facilitate their role as productive and proud contributors to their communities, Women in peace-building – Women play a critical role in peace-building initiatives in Somalia. SIU Foundation’s team is working to help strengthen the capacity of rural women’s groups, to bring unity amongst all the existing women’s groups and help establish an umbrella women’s body to strengthen the voice of women in various locations.
A strong women’s voice will strengthen the peace process and make it easier to implement the peace accords that are signed with opposing clans and groups.
