By Goth Mohamed Goth
Hargeisa, Somaliland – The Daami Youth Development Organization (DYDO) officially launched its groundbreaking project, “Amplifying Marginalized Youth Voices in Somaliland,” today during a high-profile kick-off meeting at the Dhoolayare Hotel.
This vital initiative, implemented under the prestigious AU-EU Youth Lab Grantees – Representation Program, is specifically designed to empower minority youth from marginalized communities across Somaliland.
High-Profile Endorsements and Keynote Speeches
The inception and stakeholder engagement meeting featured powerful opening remarks from prominent civil society and government leaders, including:
· DYDO Executive Director,Mr. Mahmoud Abdi, welcomed the partipants during the unveiling of the program and outlined the project’s strategic roadmap for inclusive development.
· Mr. Muhyadin Mohamed Abdi, Director of the Justice Department at the Ministry of Justice, who reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening legal and social protections for minority groups.
· Commissioner Mohamed Jama Ibrahim (Marshall) of the Somaliland National Human Rights Commission, who officially opened the meeting and underscored the critical intersection between youth advocacy and human rights.
In their respective statements, the speakers emphasized the project’s importance in empowering young people, promoting equality and dignity, and holding institutions accountable. They also highlighted the need to foster a new generation of youth leaders capable of driving meaningful change.
Community Mobilization and Next Steps
The kick-off event brought together 50 active youth participants representing various marginalized minority communities across Somaliland. During the session, attendees engaged in comprehensive stakeholder mapping and orientation activities, laying a solid foundation for the project’s future advocacy campaigns.
Through targeted training and representation programs, DYDO and the AU-EU Youth Lab aim to equip these emerging leaders with the skills and knowledge necessary to influence policy, combat discrimination, and champion sustainable community development across the region.
