"We have been equipped with a series of sessions on business planning, financial planning, storytelling, and design thinking. I believe this team is the answer," says Xamda with hope.

Xamda Ali, a young Somali entrepreneur from Hargeisa, is one of the participants in the EmpowerHer Innovation Challenge. Representing her small business, she believes that this is not just a competition but a lifeline.

The EmpowerHer Innovation Challenge, which kicked off on June 9, 2024, is organized by UNFPA Somalia and the UNFPA Arab States Regional Office. It aims to empower young Somali women to tackle deeply entrenched practices such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and Child, Early, and Forced Marriage (CEFM).

Building on the success of previous initiatives, such as the inaugural UNFPA FGM Innovation Challenge in 2021 and the GenF Women-Led Social Enterprise Initiative in 2023, this year's challenge consolidates these efforts. It provides a comprehensive platform for women-led innovation and social entrepreneurship, fostering leadership and creativity among young Somali women.

The challenge's structure involves a panel of experts evaluating proposals based on feasibility, impact, scalability, and creativity. The top applicants will participate in an intensive innovation sprint, refining their ideas and developing robust business plans. The event will culminate in a pitch competition, where teams present their solutions to a panel of judges. The top three teams will receive investment and support from UNFPA Somalia, including funding, technical assistance, and access to networks, enabling them to implement their solutions.

For Xamda and many like her, the challenge represents an opportunity to become agents of change. Participants will receive mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs and activists, comprehensive training sessions, and ongoing support even after the challenge concludes. This support system is designed to equip them with the tools needed to develop and implement innovative solutions aimed at eradicating harmful practices.

Moreover, the challenge aims to promote gender equality and women's rights by creating a supportive ecosystem for social entrepreneurs. Connecting participants with local and regional mentors, trainers, and role models, the bootcamp catalyzes the development of impactful projects and campaigns.

As the EmpowerHer Innovation Challenge unfolds, it holds the promise of a brighter future for Somali women and girls. The innovative solutions developed during the sprint have the potential to create lasting social impact, driving progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Somalia.

In a country grappling with deeply entrenched societal norms and economic challenges, with nearly 99% of women aged 15-49 having undergone FGM, the EmpowerHer Innovation Challenge represents a powerful step towards a more equitable and just society. By fostering community engagement, promoting education, and advocating for legal reforms, Somalia can work towards ending these harmful traditions and ensuring the rights and well-being of its girls and women.

The EmpowerHer Innovation Challenge is not just a competition; it is a movement, a catalyst for change, and a testament to the resilience and potential of Somali women. As young women like Xamda rise to the challenge, they pave the way for a future where every girl can thrive, free from the shackles of harmful practices.