On a warm November morning in Mogadishu, the conference hall slowly filled with representatives from government institutions, UN agencies, community organizations, youth groups, and disability advocates. They had gathered for the KOICA–UNFPA Country-Level Learning Event, a rare pause in a country where emergencies often leave little room for reflection.
The event opened with a hopeful tone. UNFPA Deputy Representative Francis Anyansi spoke about how the partnership between KOICA and UNFPA has become a lifeline for thousands of women, girls, and young people living in fragile settings across Somalia. He highlighted stories of mothers who reached skilled birth attendants in time, girls who received psychosocial care after experiencing violence, and young people becoming leaders in their communities. The learning event, he said, offered a moment to reflect on progress and shape the next phase of work.
KOICA Country Director Wankyu Park emphasized the human impact behind the project’s milestones. He described women accessing antenatal and postnatal care, survivors receiving confidential support, and youth stepping forward as peer educators. He also noted the powerful role of the SASA! Together model, which is helping shift harmful social norms by empowering local activists and engaging influential community members, including religious leaders and men.
Representing the Ministry of Planning, Director General Mohamed Weli underscored how climate shocks, including droughts, floods, and displacement, continue to put women and girls at heightened risk. He stressed that despite these challenges, the partnership has succeeded in reaching those who are often left behind. SoDMA’s Emergency Advisor also commended KOICA and UNFPA for supporting coordination platforms that allow humanitarian and government partners to respond more effectively to crises.
Throughout the day, UNFPA’s teams presented clear evidence of progress. Since late 2024, more than 15,000 people have accessed sexual and reproductive health services, and over 34,000 have reached emergency maternal care. Midwives have been deployed to high-risk areas, and emergency kits have been pre-positioned to support rapid response. In Bossaso, trained staff intervened in time to save a woman experiencing obstructed labour, a single story that reflected the broader impact of the programme.
The gender-based violence response showed strong outcomes as well. More than 11,000 people accessed prevention and response services, over 2,500 received psychosocial support, and hundreds of survivors obtained clinical treatment. Through life-skills training, more than 1,500 women and girls strengthened their confidence and capacity to support themselves. Community outreach activities reached over 6,600 people, contributing to ongoing shifts in attitudes toward gender roles and violence. Community leaders who once hesitated to speak publicly about GBV have now become active allies.
Youth engagement proved equally significant. More than 1,000 young people were trained on sexual and reproductive health and gender equality, and hundreds participated in structured sessions designed to support informed decision-making. Many of these young people have stepped into leadership roles, guiding their peers and promoting healthier, more respectful relationships.
Implementing partners shared honest reflections from the field. Mercy-USA recounted the case of a 14-year-old survivor who only learned about available services late in her pregnancy, an example that highlighted remaining gaps in outreach and referral systems. PAC described how cash assistance helped survivors access psychosocial support and rebuild their independence. AMARD raised concerns about delays in cash transfers but explained how One Stop Centers provided alternative support through skills training when funds were not immediately available. Somali Lifeline Organization emphasized the importance of two-way communication with communities and navigating expectations in areas where needs remain high.
During group discussions, participants identified both opportunities and ongoing challenges. Many noted the strength of integrated services, particularly the link between Women and Girls Safe Spaces and One Stop Centers, which allow survivors to access multiple forms of support in one place. Coordination among partners has improved, and the long-term duration of the project has helped build trust within communities.
Yet several challenges persist. Security concerns limit access to some locations. Social stigma still discourages youth from seeking SRH information. Overstretched services can cause delays in referrals. And across all groups, one gap stood out: many women who complete life-skills training lack the seed capital needed to start their own livelihoods, leaving them without the resources to fully regain independence.
At the end of the session, participants shared a single word capturing their impression of the event. Words such as learning, partnership, lifesaving, and reflective appeared prominently, mirroring the spirit of collaboration that carried through the day.
As the event drew to a close, Ms. Sadia Mohamed Nur from the Ministry of Family and Human Rights Development announced an important development, the first reading of a national council draft aimed at abolishing all forms of FGM would take place the next day. The announcement marked a milestone in Somalia’s efforts to safeguard the rights and dignity of women and girls.
By the time participants began leaving the hall, conversations were still ongoing about coordination, gaps that still need attention, and possibilities for the months ahead. The learning event served not only as a review of progress but also as a reaffirmation of a shared commitment: to ensure that women, girls, and young people across Somalia can access the services, protection, and opportunities they deserve.
