Somali Girls Can
Founded in 2015, Somali Girls Can is a non-profit organisation committed to unlocking the power, potential, and leadership of women and girls worldwide. We exist because far too many women and girls, particularly those facing social, health, and economic inequality, are denied the opportunities they deserve to thrive. We work to change that.
At Somali Girls Can, we believe that when women rise, families, communities, and futures are transformed. Our approach is grounded in the belief that empowerment is not a privilege, but a right. Through education, mentorship, advocacy, and community-led initiatives, we equip women and girls with the confidence, skills, and support they need to take control of their lives and shape their own futures.
We create safe, inclusive spaces where women and girls are seen, heard, and valued. Spaces where they can learn, lead, heal, and grow. From building self-belief to strengthening leadership pathways, our programmes are designed to deliver lasting impact that extends far beyond the individual.
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Founded with Purpose
Somali Girls Can was founded with a clear mission to empower and uplift women and girls facing social, economic, and structural inequalities. The organisation emerged from lived experience, community insight, and a strong belief that sustainable change begins with listening.
Key milestones:
- Establishment of the organisation and its core mission and values
- Early community engagement to understand the needs and barriers facing women and girls
- Initial volunteer and supporter network formed
- Long-term vision set for empowerment through education, mentorship, wellbeing, and leadership
Strengthening Foundations and Voice
As participation and trust grew, Somali focused on strengthening programme quality and amplifying the voices of women and girls.
Key achievements and impact:
- Engaged over 850 women and girls across programmes and community activities
- Introduced stronger leadership, confidence, and voice-led approaches
- Expanded delivery into multiple community settings
- Built a growing network of mentors, volunteers, and facilitators
- Participants reporting increased confidence, self-belief, and engagement
Responding Through Crisis and Uncertainty
The COVID-19 pandemic and repeated lockdowns created unprecedented challenges for the communities we serve. Women and girls experienced heightened isolation, anxiety, financial insecurity, and reduced access to support at a time when it was needed most.
Somali Girls Can responded quickly, adapting its delivery to remain present and accessible despite restrictions.
Key achievements and impact:
- Adapted programmes to continue supporting participants during lockdowns
- Maintained regular contact and trusted relationships throughout periods of isolation
- Prioritised mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing during crisis
- Provided safe spaces for connection, reassurance, and peer support
- Supported women and girls navigating increased stress, caring responsibilities, and uncertainty
This period reinforced Somali Girls Can’s role as a trusted source of stability and care during crisis.
Standing with Communities Through the Cost-of-Living Crisis
As communities began to recover from the pandemic, many women and girls faced ongoing challenges driven by the cost-of-living crisis. Rising living costs and financial pressure disproportionately affected those already experiencing inequality.
Somali Girls Can deepened its commitment to supporting women and girls through this prolonged period of uncertainty, responding with care, flexibility, and purpose.
Key achievements and impact:
- Sustained and expanded support for women and girls affected by financial hardship
- Increased focus on resilience, confidence, and wellbeing
- Continued delivery of empowering programmes despite external pressures
- Strengthened community trust through consistent, long-term engagement
- Supported hundreds of women and girls cumulatively since inception
- Clear evidence of improved confidence, connection, and sense of agency among participants
A Confident Future
Now entering its next chapter, Somali Girls Can stands as a values-led organisation with over a decade of experience supporting women and girls.
Key achievements and forward priorities:
- 10+ years of continuous, community-led empowerment work
- A trusted reputation as a safe, inclusive space for women and girls
- Strong foundations for sustainable growth and partnership
- Clear vision for scaling impact responsibly while maintaining quality
Organisational Values
At Somali Girls Can, our work is grounded in a clear set of principles and organisational values that guide every decision we make. These values are more than words — they are the foundation of who we are, shaping our culture, our programmes, and the way we show up for women and girls every day. They reflect our unwavering commitment to creating meaningful, lasting change, ensuring that every initiative, partnership, and action drives empowerment, opportunity, and resilience.