Women in Somalia face a dual challenge to power, with significant barriers limiting their access to decision-making positions and processes, as well as their ability to influence within them. DUGSI aims to increase rural women’s access to and control over productive resources, knowledge, services, and lucrative market opportunities. DUGSI supports the priority development areas identified in Somalia. Our strategic plan and objective enhance to improving the economic status of women and marginalized groups, implementing gender equality, inclusive participation, and community mobilization. DUGSI creates alternative sources of income through skill transfer and the provision of a Business Start Fund and Revolving Fund for Somalia agro-pastoralists, with a focus on women to help sustain their lives and access to support their families and meet the basic needs of their households.

Gender-based violence (GBV) is all too common in disasters. It refers to systematic and harmful activities perpetrated against a woman or girl including domestic abuse and sexual harassment, rape, female genital mutilation among women, forced marriage, crimes against humanity, and human smuggling, among others. Gender-based violence (GBV) increases in emergencies due to displacement, loss of livelihood, and other factors. In these circumstances, violence, abuse, and discrimination against women and girls are common in humanitarian services and aid programs. Survivors of GBV suffer from deep psychological trauma, including depression, terror, guilt, shame, and low self-esteem. The stigma associated with GBV is also a major issue, and some survivors commit suicide rather than bear the burden of shame. Victims of GBV are often afraid to report incidents for fear of further abuse. As a result, they may not receive the necessary support services. In many cases, GBV is hidden and only comes to light when physical symptoms, such as bruises, pregnancy, or disease, are visible. DUGSI works to raise awareness of GBV by conducting research, advocating for policy reform, addressing GBV through health and humanitarian relief programs, educating about gender equity, shifting attitudes about violent behavior in communities, and working with organizations that fight against GBV.