In the river town of Buloburte in central Somalia, more than 1,000 women and girls gathered late last year to talk openly about something that is rarely discussed in public: violence against women.
The meeting took place between September and December 2025 in Buloburte district, in Somalia’s Hiran region, about 220km north of Mogadishu.
It was organised as part of the A.W.A.R.E (Wash, Protection Assistance Resilience in Emergencies) project funded by Caritas Somalia and implemented by the Somali local organisation VAD.
While the programme focuses primarily on access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene in communities affected by years of conflict and drought, its organisers say that addressing violence against women is essential to improving health, safety and resilience.
For many participants, the awareness session marked a profound turning point.
In rural areas such as Buloburte, cultural traditions and limited access to information often leave girls and women vulnerable to practices such as early marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM).
The event created a rare safe space for dialogue. Women and adolescent girls shared experiences and learned that violence is not a private matter but a violation of human dignity and health.
Among them was a 19-year-old from Elmi Sadik village, a small settlement outside Buloburte. Like many Somali girls, Sureyo underwent FGM as a child, a procedure arranged by her parents.
“I thought all girls had to go through this,” she said.
During the session, she learned that FGM is widely recognised as a harmful practice.
“I learned that violence against women is not just a private issue but something that affects the whole community. I also realised that silence only makes the problem worse, and together we can change attitudes.” – Sureyo, 19-year-old from Elmi Sadik village in Somalia
The programme also introduced participants to laws and organisations that can protect women and girls.
“Before the session, I thought we had no choice but to stay silent,” Sureyo said. “Now I understand that speaking out is our right.”
For organisers, the gathering showed how knowledge can shift attitudes in communities where silence has long prevailed. When girls understand their rights, they say, fear begins to give way to solidarity – and change becomes possible.
The post Caritas programmes help Somali girls speak out against violence appeared first on Caritas.