By Naima M Hassan, Freelance Journalist
On the evening marking the close of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence and the commemoration of International Human Rights Day, the Ministry of Employment, Social Affairs and Family of Somaliland awarded the SIHA Network in recognition of its long-standing work in Somaliland and across the Horn of Africa.
The ceremony, held last night in Hargeisa, brought together government officials, civil society representatives, activists, development partners and members of women-led organizations. As the event approached its conclusion, the Ministry announced a special recognition for SIHA Network an acknowledgment of the organisation’s commitment to advancing women’s rights, defending survivors of violence, and strengthening grassroots feminist movements in the region. Muna Osman, SIHA’s Somaliland Administrative Coordinator, received the award on behalf of the Country Director, expressing gratitude for the recognition and reaffirming SIHA’s dedication to women and girls across Somaliland and beyond.
For decades, SIHA Network has stood as one of the most active and trusted women-rights organisations in Somaliland. Known for its firm work as a Women Human Rights Defenders (WHRD) network, SIHA has consistently championed the elimination of violence against women and girls, even in the most challenging environments.
The award recognizes several important areas of SIHA’s work. First, SIHA Network has long been a leading voice in defending women’s rights and fighting gender-based violence in Somaliland and across the Horn of Africa. The organisation works closely with survivors, advocates for their protection, and pushes for stronger systems to prevent abuse. Through trainings, legal support, public campaigns, and deep community engagement, SIHA has become one of the most reliable institutions supporting survivors and mobilising society against harmful practices. Its active participation in the annual 16 Days of Activism further reflects its commitment to both regional and global feminist advocacy.
Another key area of SIHA’s impact is its support for grassroots women and marginalized communities. SIHA invests heavily in local women’s groups, informal associations, women’s cooperatives, IDPs, and minority communities. Many of these groups operate with limited visibility or resources, yet they play a vigorous role in community protection and women’s empowerment. SIHA strengthens them by providing leadership training, small grants for local initiatives, mentorship for emerging women leaders, and platforms that amplify their voices at national and regional levels. Through this consistent support, SIHA has helped build a strong and diverse women’s movement in Somaliland—one that continues to grow and influence policy and public opinion.
It was also highlighted SIHA’s expertise in research, knowledge production, and evidence-based advocacy. SIHA is widely known for producing credible reports and documentation that reveal the lived realities of women and girls, especially those from marginalized groups. This body of research informs advocacy strategies, guides policymakers, and supports humanitarian and development partners in making informed decisions. Because of its dedication to accurate, grounded research, SIHA’s publications and testimonies are regularly referenced by governments, UN agencies, regional bodies, and global human-rights institutions.
SIHA has also played a crucial role in expanding access to justice for women and girls, an area that remains a major challenge in the region. The organisation has supported networks of women lawyers, offered legal assistance to survivors, and advocated for fair trials and strong protection mechanisms. It has documented cases of violations and consistently pushed for accountability at national, regional, and international levels. Through these sustained efforts, SIHA has become a powerful voice for justice reform and for the protection of those who speak out against abuse.
The Ministry of Employment, Social Affairs and Family praised SIHA Network not only for its achievements but also for its reputation as a dependable and collaborative partner. Over the years, SIHA has worked closely with government ministries, local councils, civil society groups, development partners, and grassroots community networks. Officials noted that this broad cooperation has helped strengthen national systems that protect women and children, advance gender equality, and support women’s economic and social empowerment.
Government representatives stressed that SIHA’s influence is rooted in its long-term commitment. Rather than focusing on short-term projects, SIHA prioritizes sustainable change—building safer communities, empowering women, and ensuring survivors have access to meaningful support. 
Accepting the award on behalf of the Country Director, SIHA’s Administration Coordinator, Muna Osman, expressed deep gratitude to the Ministry. She said the recognition reflects not only the organisation’s work, but also the resilience and courage of the women, girls, and communities whom SIHA serves across the Horn of Africa.
Osman emphasized that the honour strengthens SIHA’s resolve to continue its advocacy for justice, equality, and the protection of women’s rights. She noted that despite progress, violence against women and girls remains widespread, and many grassroots groups still lack the support they need to respond effectively.
For SIHA Network, the award represents a significant moment in its relationship with the Somaliland government. It highlights a shared commitment to protecting women’s rights and underscores the belief that meaningful progress requires action from all sectors of society.
As Somaliland marked the close of the 16 Days of Activism and commemorated International Human Rights Day, the recognition of SIHA served as a reminder that women’s rights are central to human rights. It also reinforced the vibrant role played by organisations that document abuses, support survivors, and amplify voices that are too often silenced.
With this award, SIHA Network moves forward with renewed determination to build a more just, inclusive, and equitable Horn of Africa—one where every woman and girl can live in safety, dignity, and full human rights.
