Completed Project – 10

Between February and August 2025, Kaalo Nederland implemented the Women’s Legal Workshops Project in Garowe, Puntland, Somalia to strengthen women’s legal awareness, improve access to justice, reduce gender-based discrimination, and increase knowledge of gender-based violence (GBV).

The project reached 100 women from internally displaced persons (IDP) communities and low-income households, providing them with practical knowledge about their legal rights and available support services. Through five interactive workshops, each conducted over several days, participants received training from legal professionals and GBV experts on topics including women’s rights, family law, inheritance, gender-based violence, and pathways to justice. Participants also received Somali-language printed legal awareness materials for continued reference.

To promote sustainability and continued peer support, the project established three peer-led women’s support groups, each consisting of approximately 30 members. These groups provide a platform for women to share experiences, support one another, and continue applying the knowledge gained during the workshops. Additionally, 10 community ambassadors were trained to promote legal awareness and guide women toward appropriate services.

The project also facilitated two structured dialogue sessions between women participants and legal authorities, creating opportunities for women to raise concerns, seek clarification, and strengthen connections with justice service providers.

By the end of the project, five workshops had been completed, 100 women had improved their understanding of their legal rights, three support groups had been established, and 10 community ambassadors had been equipped to continue awareness efforts. Participants reported increased knowledge of GBV, improved understanding of justice pathways, and greater confidence in seeking legal support. Many shared that they learned important information they had never previously known.

The Women’s Legal Workshops Project reflects Kaalo Nederland’s commitment to empowering women through knowledge, strengthening access to justice, and building more informed and resilient communities.