Somalia is a country ravaged by climate-induced catastrophes and prolonged conflict and is now faces a crisis of unimaginable proportions. The devastating human toll extends beyond numbers and statistics, touching the depths of human suffering in ways that are difficult to comprehend.
In the heart of this crisis is Roda*, a single mother struggling to survive and provide for her family. When she worked as a farmer, Roda was self-sufficient, harvesting crops and making a profit from her land.
Now, however, after the frequent drought and floods that the recent erratic weather patterns wrought, she is left with nothing.
A struggle to survive
The floods of 2017 destroyed Roda’s home and killed her livestock, while subsequent droughts led to crop failure. Threats from local militias forced her to abandon her farm and flee to an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp.
Life in the camp offers little respite. Job opportunities are scarce and Roda finds herself performing menial tasks for meagre wages.
“My children ask for meals, but I can’t give them anything,” she says.
From 3 meals a day, they now survive on just 1 meal of soor (grits). The lack of food, compounded by the extreme weather, has left her battling pneumonia and asthma – conditions she cannot afford to treat.
Tragically, Roda has lost 5 of her 9 children to malnutrition and disease. Her husband, overwhelmed by their situation, abandoned the family.
Gender discrimination in the midst of hunger
Roda’s plight is further exacerbated by gender discrimination and violence. As a female breadwinner and a divorcee, she faces stigma from the community around her and is often told to stay out of markets – a place she needs to visit to sell firewood for income.
This disparity extends to decision-making processes and conflict resolution, where women are significantly underrepresented.
“Men control everything,” Roda says states.
Gender-based violence remains a pervasive threat, especially in times of crisis. Roda recounts harrowing experiences of assault while collecting firewood. Her daily ordeal includes a perilous 10-hour journey to and from the forest – it is a risk but necessary journey she has to make to provide fuel her family’s fire and generate what little income she can.
Roda remains hopeful for the future, however. She dreams of a peaceful life, a safe shelter, and a society where her voice matters.
“I have many ideas to improve things, but I do not have the space to share them, and no one listens.”
Fatima’s story is just one of many in Somalia, where countless individuals are caught in a vicious cycle of climate disaster, conflict, and crushing poverty. It is a stark reminder of the urgent need for global attention and action. Supporting humanitarian efforts, advocating for gender equality, and addressing the root causes of climate change are critical steps towards alleviating this humanitarian disaster.
Empowering women
Islamic Relief is actively working to provide crucial assistance to those affected by famine, climate change and violence in Somalia. Through your donations and support we provide emergency food aid, healthcare services, and support for sustainable livelihoods to help rebuild communities from the ground up.
With our initiatives, we empower women and provide them with the resources and training necessary to achieve financial independence and to provide a platform for their voices to be heard in their communities.
Your support can help amplify the impact of these initiatives. By contributing, you can help extend lifelines to those in dire need, like Roda and her children.
Please help Islamic Relief support people in desperate need in Somalia: Your donation will help save the lives of children and their families. Donate now.
* Name has been changed to protect identity.
