Advancing Women’s Leadership in Governance, Peacebuilding, and Public Life
Ugaaso Women Dialogue Space (UWDS) connects women across the Somali Region to influence policy,
drive social change, and build a more just and peaceful society.
Our Focus Areas
Women’s political leadership & representation
Promoting women’s participation in decision-making and political processes at all levels.
Women’s rights advocacy
Advancing gender-responsive policies and legal reforms.
Women, Peace & Security (WPS)
Ensuring women’s voices are central in peace negotiations, conflict prevention, and reconciliation.
Protection & legal support
Providing legal aid and advocating for protection from GBV, FGM, discrimination, and harmful practices.
Political dialogue & mediation
Facilitating platforms for cross-party dialogue, community engagement, and peace discussions
Capacity-building for women leaders
Skilled professionals dedicated to crafting stunning outdoor spaces.
Social norm change
Challenging patriarchal norms and promoting gender justice through community mobilization.
About us
Championing Women’s Leadership and Inclusive Peace
Ugaaso Women Dialogue Space (UWDS) is a women-led civil society organization advancing women’s leadership in governance, peacebuilding, and community development across the Somali Region. Founded in 2021, we provide safe, inclusive platforms where women from politics, civil society, academia, and marginalized communities engage in dialogue, influence policy, and drive social transformation. Through advocacy, mediation, and capacity-building, we work to ensure women are not just present in decision-making spaces, but truly shaping the future of their communities.
- Women’s political leadership and representation
- Women, Peace & Security and cross-party dialogue
- Protection from GBV, FGM, and harmful practices
What We Do
UWDS delivers high-impact programs that strengthen women’s leadership, advance peacebuilding, and drive social transformation across the Somali Region.
Political Dialogue & Peacebuilding
UWDS mediates trust-building between the ONLF and the Prosperity Party (PP). We convene cross-party forums and community dialogues that reduce tensions, promote inclusive governance, and support peace along the Somali–Oromia and Somali–Afar borders.
Political Dialogue & Peacebuilding
UWDS mediates trust-building between the ONLF and the Prosperity Party (PP). We convene cross-party forums and community dialogues that reduce tensions, promote inclusive governance, and support peace along the Somali–Oromia and Somali–Afar borders.
Advancing Women’s Political Participation
UWDS successfully championed a 20% quota for women in the Guurti (Elders’ Council) and supported the formation of a women’s parliamentary caucus. Through targeted mentorship, coaching, and training, we are building a strong pipeline of women leaders ready to influence policy and governance.
Social Advocacy & Community Mobilization
UWDS leads powerful campaigns against GBV, FGM, and child marriage, working closely with clan elders and religious leaders to shift community attitudes toward gender equality. We proudly supported the historic appointment of Suldaamo Marwo as a female clan leader—an unprecedented milestone in customary institutions and a symbol of women’s leadership in the Somali Region.
Support for GBV Survivors & Economic Empowerment
UWDS advocates for sustainable livelihood opportunities for survivors of violence, helping them rebuild independence and dignity. We also strengthen community-based GBV prevention and protection systems so survivors can access safer, more responsive support close to home.
Our Projects
2024–Ongoing
Advancing Women’s Leadership in National Dialogue & Inter-Party Engagement Donor: International Solidarity Foundation (ISF) – Strengthening women’s engagement in peace implementation and regional stability through political dialogue and leadership support.
2021–2025
Sustaining Capacities for Peace & Reconciliation in Somali Region & Somali–Oromo Border Donor: Conciliation Resources – Irish Aid – Promoting women’s participation in peacebuilding, policy dialogues, and cross-border reconciliation; delivering leadership training and WDS forums.
2025–Ongoing
Integrating CRSV in Political Dialogue & Survivor Protection Donor: Conciliation Resources – FCDO – Providing technical advocacy to ensure CRSV survivors’ needs are reflected in policies and peace processes.
UWDS works with a diverse range of partners and networks to strengthen women’s leadership, peacebuilding, and inclusive governance.
Strategic Partners
• KasmoDev
• Conciliation Resources (CR)
• SIRAAD Institute
National Networks & Coalitions
• NEWA
• TIMRAN
• Coalition for Women’s Voice on the National Dialogue
Civic & Multistakeholder Platforms
• Engagement with the Islamic Supreme Court
• Chair of the Somali Non-State Actor Coalition (SONSAC)
Ready to Partner for Women’s Leadership and Peace?
Contact us to explore collaboration, training, or dialogue initiatives that advance women’s leadership, peacebuilding, and gender justice across the Somali Region.