Liban Adan Mohamed Leads Local Change After UN Women Training in Somalia

Among the standout participants was Mr. Liban Adan Mohamed, a passionate and committed staff member from WADANI RELIEF ORGANISATION (WARO), a local NGO based in Mogadishu.

In November 2024, UN Women Somalia, Save the Children International, and the Somali Disaster Management Agency (SoDMA) hosted a four-day intensive training in Mogadishu titled "Integrating Gender Perspectives in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Humanitarian Action." The event marked a significant step toward building the capacity of humanitarian workers across the Banadir region to incorporate gender equality into emergency response and preparedness efforts.

The training brought together new members of the Gender in Humanitarian Action (GiHA) working group, primarily drawn from civil society organizations (CSOs) and women-led groups operating in the region. Designed to promote inclusive humanitarian strategies, the program emphasized the importance of understanding and addressing the different needs of women, men, girls, and boys in crisis settings.

Among the standout participants was Mr. Liban Adan Mohamed, a passionate and committed staff member from WADANI RELIEF ORGANISATION (WARO), a local NGO based in Mogadishu. His journey during and after the training illustrates how knowledge transfer, when paired with motivation and leadership, can bring meaningful transformation at the grassroots level.

From Learning to Leading

Reflecting on his participation, Liban shared, “This training opened my eyes to the critical importance of integrating gender considerations into our humanitarian response efforts. It empowered me to advocate for the needs and rights of vulnerable populations.”

Driven by a renewed sense of purpose, Liban wasted no time. Soon after returning to his organization, he organized an internal workshop for eight of his colleagues at WARO who were actively working with internally displaced persons (IDPs). The session focused on practical methods for incorporating gender-sensitive approaches into their day-to-day humanitarian work.

“Through our discussions, we learned how to approach our work with empathy and awareness of gender issues, which significantly improved our interactions with the communities we assist,” he explained. The training not only deepened the team’s technical understanding of gender in humanitarian emergencies but also reinforced a culture of inclusivity and respect.

Scaling the Impact: From Mogadishu to Gedo

Recognizing his leadership and commitment, WARO assigned Liban to their regional office in Bardera, Gedo, a district frequently affected by both conflict and climate-related disasters. Undeterred by the challenges, Liban once again spearheaded a local capacity-building initiative, this time organizing a community-based training session on Gender in Humanitarian Action and Disaster Risk Reduction.

This second initiative brought together eight WARO staff members and approximately 200 community members, the majority of whom were women. The training focused on raising awareness about the specific vulnerabilities that women and girls face during emergencies, and how communities can strengthen their resilience through inclusive preparedness and response measures.

“Watching the community engage in discussions and share their experiences was inspiring,” Liban said. “It was clear that we were building a foundation for greater resilience together.”

He noted that the participation of women was especially impactful. For many, it was their first opportunity to contribute directly to disaster risk planning and humanitarian strategies that affect their lives. The dialogue generated during the sessions fostered mutual understanding and created pathways for ongoing community engagement.

A Catalyst for Change

Liban’s work exemplifies the multiplier effect of well-executed capacity-building programs. By extending the knowledge gained from the GiHA training to both his professional team and local communities, he has helped embed a gender lens into WARO’s humanitarian approach. His actions have also inspired others to adopt inclusive practices and champion women’s leadership in crisis response.

The ripple effects of his efforts are already visible. WARO teams now approach fieldwork with increased sensitivity to gender dynamics, ensuring that women and marginalized groups are not only consulted but actively involved in decision-making processes. Community feedback mechanisms have also improved, enabling more effective and equitable service delivery.

Looking Ahead

While much progress has been made, Liban believes this is only the beginning. “This journey has just begun,” he affirms. “We are excited to continue working with UN Women, Save the Children, and other partners to foster an equitable and inclusive society where all voices, especially those of women, are heard and respected.”

As Somalia continues to navigate complex humanitarian challenges—ranging from conflict to climate shocks—the integration of gender perspectives in emergency preparedness and disaster response remains crucial. With dedicated individuals like Liban leading the charge, there is growing hope for a future where humanitarian actions are not just reactive but also inclusive, sustainable, and transformative.