A group of young women trained in law are volunteering their time to support vulnerable women in the city of Garowe. They provide free legal and emotional assistance to women living in displacement camps, those from marginalized clans, and others too poor to defend their rights.
Despite having no financial support, the women have taken it upon themselves to be the voice of those who have none, accepting the heavy responsibility of standing up for justice on their behalf.
Ubax Mahamud, one of the volunteers, explains how they help women in distress:
“Sometimes an elderly woman comes to us with nothing. She says, ‘Someone has wronged me.’ We write down her statement and open her case. Some women can afford to pay legal fees, but most cannot and we help them anyway. We cover expenses like transport, printing, or paperwork. And when the case goes to court, we represent them for free.”
Through their commitment, the group has helped many women regain their rights and rebuild their lives. One of them is Fadumo Nur, who recalls with deep emotion how she was supported:
“I live in a rented camp. Some time ago, someone took away my daughter, and I couldn’t find her. I came to this office, and they represented me in court. They fought for me everywhere until my daughter was brought back.
I had also been abandoned by my husband. The lawyers helped me get my papers, took me to court, and I received the rights I was entitled to.
When someone who is poor, disabled, or broken is helped, it means everything. When a mother’s lost child is found and returned, you can only imagine the feeling.”
Ubax explains what motivates them to keep doing this voluntary work:
“Helping someone in need, taking them out of suffering that’s what drives us. These people are vulnerable and poor; they need support. God has made it our duty to stand up for them. They are the people we’ve been told to defend, to speak for, to be a voice for.”
Although they receive no funding or external assistance, their compassion and determination have enabled many women to achieve justice. Their work is a powerful example of the strength that comes from women’s solidarity and volunteerism.
One of those who benefited from their help is Safiyo Diriye, who shares her story:
“When my daughter was assaulted, I turned to these women for help. They supported us through every step my daughter received medical care, the case was investigated, and the perpetrator was arrested by the CID.
We never believed justice could be done, but these young women proved it’s possible.”
Even without financial backing, these courageous women from Garowe have changed countless lives becoming the voices of those who were once unheard.
Written by hoodo ahmed, one of the ten female journalists who won Bilan Media’s storytelling competition.
