In the heart of drought-stricken Somalia, where traditional norms and limited access to healthcare compound the struggles of daily life, 28-year-old Xawo Ahmed stands as a symbol of resilience and transformation.
A mother of seven, Xawo has long shouldered the heavy burden of reproductive health challenges. Early marriage, the trauma of female genital mutilation (FGM), and a relentless cycle of closely spaced pregnancies had taken a severe toll on her physical and emotional well-being. With little time to recover between births or fully care for her young children, Xawo’s circumstances underscored the urgent need for accessible, culturally sensitive family planning services in vulnerable communities.
Hope arrived at the Kabasa Health Centre, where Xawo connected with the Sexual and Reproductive Health team from Human Development Concern (HDC), a local NGO supported by UNFPA Somalia and funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). There, she received compassionate counseling on a wide range of family planning options—including implants, IUDs, injections, and natural methods. The inclusive counseling sessions involved her husband and family, ensuring that her decision was both informed and supported.
Xawo chose a contraceptive implant, offering her two years of protection from unplanned pregnancies. It was more than a health decision—it was a turning point. The implant gave Xawo the space to heal, care for her children, and reclaim a sense of control over her body and future.
Today, Xawo is more than a beneficiary—she’s a vocal advocate. With renewed confidence, she shares her story with other women in her community, dispelling myths around family planning and encouraging others to make informed choices. Her courage is sparking conversations and shifting perspectives, one household at a time.
Xawo’s journey illustrates the profound impact of KOICA’s support in advancing reproductive health in fragile contexts. It’s a story of change, not just for one woman, but for an entire community moving toward a future where women’s health and rights are respected and protected.
