[The Legacy]
Our Story
Women-led. Somali-founded. Thirty-five years of turning the impossible into the proven.
Elman Ali Ahmed
Founded in 1990, the organization was run by Elman Ali Ahmed and his wife Fartuun Adan. As civil war engulfed Somalia, they made the difficult decision to split—Fartuun fled with their daughters for safety, while Elman stayed behind to continue his mission for peace.
It would be the last time Fartuun and her children would see Elman alive.
On March 9, 1996, Elman Ali Ahmed was assassinated. His murder sent a chilling message to Somalis desirous of peace and normality. Yet, his legacy lives on through the programs he pioneered.
"Drop the Gun, Pick up the Pen"
— First instituted by Elman Ali AhmedWomen Leading Change
Following the tragedy, Fartuun Adan returned to Somalia to continue their shared mission, joined by her daughter Ilwad Elman. Together, they have transformed Elman Peace into a leading force for human rights and security.
Fartuun Adan
/// EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
A passionate humanitarian, educator, and leader, Fartuun returned to Somalia when few others dared. Since 2009, she has been the only civil society representative from Somalia at the UN Human Rights reviews.
Under her leadership, Elman Peace has become a leading organization in Somalia on matters related to Peace and Security, Women's Political Participation, and Ending Violence Against Women and Girls.
[ RECOGNITION_LOG ]
- 2013 International Woman of Courage
- 2015 Gleitsman International Activist Award
- 2017 Aurora Prize Finalist
Ilwad Elman
/// CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
In 2010, while Al-Shabaab still controlled Mogadishu, Ilwad returned from Canada to Somalia. She co-founded the first rape crisis centre in the country and became the first civil society representative to brief the UN Security Council on the Protection of Civilians in 2015.
Together with her mother, she expanded the organization to address climate, gender justice, human rights, and economic empowerment — while deepening the core work in disarmament, mental health, and youth skills development. Ilwad represents the next chapter — where grassroots implementation meets systems orchestration, where local trust meets global partnership.
[ RECOGNITION_LOG ]
- 2014 Young African Leaders Fellowship
- 2015 UN Security Council Briefing
- 2017 Young African Woman of the Year
Thirty-five years. Same mission. Same city. Still building.
“Our dynamic force comprises visionary thought leaders, fearless activists, and trailblazing social-entrepreneurs.”
Bridge Builders
Forming alliances with civil society, the private sector, and international partners. The trusted interface between global innovation and local capacity.
Market Shapers
Not just training youth — building the workforce, the enterprises, and the infrastructure of an economy that Somalia hasn't had before. Companies come to us now.
Systems Orchestrators
Grassroots implementers who also build continental networks, design replicable frameworks, and connect practitioners across Africa. Local credibility at global scale.
Thirty-five years, still going.
A contribution keeps the next thirty-five on track.
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