Nuria Abdullahi Abdi



Based in Nairobi, Kenya, Nuria is part of the Interpeace Regional Office team for Eastern and Central Africa. She is focusing her efforts on gender mainstreaming in the three regions that make up the Somali Region – Somaliland in the northwest, Puntland in the northeast and South-Central Somalia.

The objective of this aspect of her work is to integrate women more effectively in the Pillars of Peace Programme, Interpeace’s flagship peacebuilding programme in the Somali Region, and to bring women into the decision-making processes critical to peacebuilding. Women face particular challenges due to the Somali patriarchal society.

We spoke with Nuria about her work and the situation in the Somali Region.

What does it mean to you to live in a peaceful society?

Peace is when one can explore his or her full potential as a human being without the threat of intimidation or violence. I’m optimistic that one day, we will reach that objective in the Somali Region.

What is the situation like in the Somali Region?

It varies from region to region. Generally speaking, our operations in Somaliland and Puntland are progressing. In South-Central Somalia, the security situation is precarious. Though I’m based in Nairobi, I travel frequently to the region to attend forums, visit our partner organizations and meet with government agencies. My main objective is to increase the participation of women in the democratic and peacebuilding processes. We do this mainly  through advice and strategies to enhance participation and decision-making opportunities.

Would you say that security is the main challenge you face?

It is certainly a big challenge, but not the only one. Overcoming male prejudice is my primary challenge. In the Somali patriarchal society this is difficult. But more and more I am seeing that Somalis know that women can make a difference in the peace process. It is simply a matter of encouraging women to get involved and participate.

What can we learn from the Somali Region?

It is no secret that the Somali Region has not had a functioning central government for close to eighteen years. Yet life goes on, and the peace process continues. I think the power of local communities to affect change is one of the more relevant lessons from the Somali Region. If we can successfully support local initiatives and provide them with the resources they need to move the peace process forward, we can make real progress. This peace needs to be locally owned, not forced upon Somalis by the international community.

You’ve been working in the field of peacebuilding for more than fifteen years. From where do you draw inspiration for this difficult task?

I always think back to one of my favourite quotes, “Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes the time. Vision with action can change the world.” As a peacebuilder, I get satisfaction from making progress step by step, by joining a vision with the right actions.