At 28 years old, Ikran Ali has built her life around listening, supporting, and standing beside women and girls who have faced unconscionable violence in their lives. Working as a gender-based violence (GBV) case worker in Gedo region, Somalia, she has become a familiar face to many—a person survivors can trust, and more importantly, one who makes them feel heard.

“I have always known that my purpose is to support women and girls—especially those who’ve been silenced for too long,” Ikran shares. For her, this work is not just a job—it’s a calling rooted in empathy, strength, and unwavering belief in the potential of every survivor.

Ikran is one of the 9 case workers deployed by NoFYL in Gedo with support from UNICEF, delivering life-saving services to survivors, and stitching together a future where women and girls lead safe, empowered, and live dignified lives. In her role, Ikran offers a wide range of support, from case management and psychosocial counseling and referrals. Every day, she listens to stories often shared for the first time, offering survivors not just services, but compassion and confidentiality. She considers listening to survivors’ experiences a profound privilege – experiences, she realizes, that may have never been entrusted to another soul. “Many survivors tell me they’ve never told anyone what happened. Being the person, they choose to open up to—it’s not easy, but it’s an honor,” she says quietly.

Another survivor once confided in her, “For many years, I did not find a single person to share my story with, no one who could truly understand the depths of what I have gone through – until I came here.” This encounter has stayed with her and continues to imbue her work with a deep sense of responsibility.

One of the survivors Ikran worked with had endured years of emotional and physical abuse. She had no income, no support system, and no hope for escape. Through regular sessions, Ikran not only helped her navigate the emotional trauma, but also linked her with economic empowerment programs implemented by NoFYL through UNICEF in Bardheere. The survivor later started a small business selling tie-dyed clothes, allowing her to earn a living and regain her independence. Today, she is supporting her children and advocating for other women in her community.

“Seeing her journey from hopelessness to confidence has strengthened my belief in what we do,” Ikran says. “This is why GBV case management should be a core service everywhere in Somalia.”

But Ikran’s work is not without its challenges. The biggest obstacle for Ikran is ensuring continued support for survivors. Deep-rooted stigma around GBV means survivors are often discouraged—or even forbidden—by family members from seeking support. Mobility issues, particularly for women and girls in remote areas, make access even harder. In some cases, survivors live under the same roof as their abusers – often their husbands – making confidentiality and follow-up complicated.

“There are times I cannot sleep,” Ikran admits. “Not because of the workload, but because I’m thinking about a survivor who might be in danger and unable to reach out.”

Despite these challenges, Ikran recognizes the importance of her work. While achieving perfect outcomes is not always possible, she is committed to doing the best she can.

To stay strong in the face of such pressure, Ikran turns to psychosocial support (PSS) training, peer supervision, and personal self-care routines. “You cannot pour from an empty cup,” she says. “Taking care of myself means I can continue showing up fully for others.”

Ikran leads outreach through a number of community-based initiatives, including women’s group dialogues, door-to-door visits, and informal awareness sessions at the women and girls’ safe spaces. As a result of her extensive field work, Ikran is a recognized figure throughout the community.  Survivors, initially hesitant to seek help, now feel comfortable approaching her directly. Her presence alone brings comfort to many survivors.

She is one of many dedicated case workers across Somalia working to ensure that survivors of GBV are not left behind. “We are not just responding to violence—we are helping survivors reclaim their lives,” Ikran says. “It may not be easy, but it is necessary.”

Through her commitment and care, Ikran is helping lay the groundwork for a future where Somali women and girls live free from violence, empowered to heal, and able to support themselves.