Biography:
Halima Ali Adan is a Somali gender rights activist and an expert on female genital mutilation (FGM). She was born and raised in Mombasa, Kenya. After completing her schooling, Adan went on to study Computer Science at the University of Greenwich in London, where she earned a BSc degree. She furthered her education by obtaining a MSc in Development Studies.
From the beginning of her career, Adan displayed a passion for making meaningful change in her community. She initially worked for an Internet Service Provider in Kenya, using her skills to bridge the digital divide and provide connectivity to underserved areas. However, her true calling lay in advocating for the rights of marginalized women and girls.
In 2014, Adan joined Save Somali Women and Children (SSWC), a non-profit humanitarian organization based in Somalia. She took on the role of program manager and co-chair of the Gender Based Violence work group (GBV). SSWC, founded in 1992 by Somali women, aimed to support Somali girls and women who faced violence and poverty in their communities.
Adan’s GBV team faced numerous challenges in their pursuit of justice for Somali victims of gender violence. Limited resources, including a shortage of trained police officers and a low number of female officers, hindered their efforts. Additionally, many victims lacked confidence in the Somali judicial system and feared retaliation from perpetrators, making it difficult for them to report crimes.
To address these issues, the UK government provided funding to SSWC and other South-Central Somali organizations in an effort to prevent sexual violence across Somalia. This financial support allowed Adan and her team to provide basic services to victims, as well as offer training and capacity building for health workers, psychosocial support, legal aid, and economic assistance. Through education and awareness-raising initiatives, they aimed to bring about lasting change.
In 2015, SSWC received additional funding and support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA/USAID). This international backing enabled Adan and her GBV team to expand their program and collaborate with other Somali GBV work groups. They also conducted training sessions for GBV coordinators in South Central and the Puntland region of Somalia, further strengthening their impact.
Halima Ali Adan’s dedication and expertise have made her a prominent figure in the fight for gender equality and the elimination of gender-based violence in Somalia. Her work has not only empowered countless Somali women and girls but has also inspired a new generation of advocates. Through her efforts, Adan continues to contribute to the broader movement for women’s rights and serves as a role model for aspiring activists in her country and beyond.