The Duchess makes two-day visit to Mogadishu, meets women and
girls organisations and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
Ahead of International Women's Day (8
March), The Duchess made a two-day visit
to Somalia 23 to 24 February.
In Mogadishu, The Duchess was hosted at
Villa Somalia by President Hassan Sheikh
Mohamud for an introductory call during which they discussed
the crucial role women play in peacebuilding, strengthening
community resilience and ensuring accountability for sexual and
gender-based violence. The Duchess welcomed the
Federal Government of Somalia's Women, Peace and Security
National Action Plan and encouraged its sustained
implementation to improve conditions on the ground.
During the visit, The
Duchess met Somali women survivors of
conflict-related sexual violence. In a meeting at Uganda House,
Villa Somalia, The Duchess and first
daughter Jihan Abdullahi Hassan heard from victims of gender
and sexual based violence perpetrated by al-Shabaab, reinforcing
the importance of the UK-Somalia security
partnership.
The Duchess also visited a Somali village
in Lower Shabelle where the wives
of Somali soldiers explained the dangers posed by
al-Shabaab and the challenges they face while their husbands
fight for a more secure and stable Somalia.
Somali organisations and partners of the British Embassy,
including Ifrah Foundation, ALIGHT Somali Women's Leadership
Initiative and the Somali Women Study Centre, told
the The Duchess about the challenging
operating environment they face, with conflict, drought and
scarcity of resources exacerbating the prevalence of
sexual and gender-based violence. UK support to Somali
organisations working with survivors of GBV
reached almost 130,000 women and girls between
2024 and 2025. Somali survivors received clinical
support for health complications associated with GBV, hygiene and
dignity commodities, and psychosocial support.
Visiting a hospital in the centre
of Mogadishu, The Duchess saw the impact
of a UK-funded sexual and reproductive health
service programme operating across 39 health
facilities in five regions—Banadir, Bay, Mudug, Lower Shabelle,
and Galgaduud. These areas are significantly
affected by insecurity, displacement, and weak services. UK
support helps to strengthen service delivery,
which reduces the stigma and fear associated with
seeking care after sexual violence. In an emotional
conversation with victims of sexual and gender-based violence,
supported by this programme run by International
Rescue Committee, The Duchess heard the terrible impact
of female genital mutilation, rape and sexual assault
on Somali women.
The Duchess departed Somalia on 24 February,
to continue her regional tour.
