NoFYL, in collaboration with CISP, conducted a training for Community Discussion Leaders (CDLs) from Waberi and Wadajir Districts in Mogadishu. The 15-day comprehensive training program aimed at strengthening the capacity of 8 Community Dialogue Leaders (CDLs) in the Banadir region. The participants were evenly distributed between WADAJIR and WABERI districts, with 4 CDLs from each district. Notably, 50% of the participants were female, reflecting a commitment to gender inclusivity in community leadership roles.
This training aimed to cultivate a vision of a healthier, safer, and more peaceful community by addressing power dynamics and exploring strategies to mobilize collective power to prevent sexual violence. Key topics included sexual violence, self-awareness, social norms, and community dialogue facilitation, all with the goal of creating an environment where survivors can access compassionate, high-quality, survivor-centered services.
“In our community, harmful practices like early forced marriage, female genital mutilation, have long been seen as normal. These harmful traditions cause deep physical and emotional pain, yet they persist because of societal pressure and fear of change. Through this training, I’ve realized how these practices violate our rights and perpetuate cycles of suffering. It’s time for us, as a community, to break free from these harmful norms and protect our women and girls. We must stand together to shun these practices completely and embrace a future of dignity and equality for all.” say Fadumo Farah, a CDL from Wadajir.
“This training has opened our eyes to the impact of harmful social norms. We now have the tools to lead meaningful conversations that challenge these practices and inspire change within our communities.” — Sadaq Mohamed, CDL from Waaberi.
During the training, participants engaged in an exercise where they selected a facilitator and co-facilitator to practice using the discussion guide. Paired participants were assigned a topic and given 1 hour and 30 minutes to lead a discussion session, while others observed and assessed the facilitators’ skills in facilitation and active listening.
“As a Community Dialogue Leader, I now understand the power of open and honest conversations in driving change. I am committed to cascading the knowledge and skills I’ve gained from this training to my community in Waaberi. By facilitating dialogues, we can challenge harmful norms and practices, empowering our people to embrace a culture of respect, safety, and equality. As leaders, we have a responsibility to drive change by challenging traditions that harm our women and girls.” — Mohamud Omar, CDL from Waaberi.
The Empowered Communities, Including Boys and Girls, to Fight Violence Against Women and Children in and Around Schools project aims to reduce violence against women, boys, and girls by creating safer schools and communities. It seeks to transform harmful social norms into positive ones that uphold dignity, safety, and equity for women, boys, girls, and their families in the Banadir and Galmudug regions of Somalia.
CDLs Photos:
