Lighting the Way: YEEP Somalia Wins the 2025 Carol Bellamy Leadership Award
In a country where women’s voices have too often been silenced by conflict and inequality, young Somali women are rewriting the story of peace.
One of those inspiring movements, the Youth Engagement and Empowerment Programme (YEEP) Somalia, has been awarded the 2025 Carol Bellamy Leadership Award (CBLA) for its exceptional work empowering women and girls to prevent violent extremism through dialogue and community engagement.
The award, supported by the Global Community Engagement & Resilience Fund (GCERF) and funded by the Federal Republic of Germany, celebrates grassroots organizations that place women at the center of peacebuilding and resilience. Each year, it honors those leading the way in creating inclusive, peaceful communities in some of the world’s most challenging environments.
As Somalia’s official CBLA Torchbearer, Elman Peace Centre proudly supported this year’s award and stood alongside YEEP Somalia as they were recognized on the global stage.
Through mentorship, peer learning, and local dialogue, YEEP Somalia has given young women the tools to lead conversations that bridge divides and build resilience.
At Elman Peace, we believe that peace is sustainable when women and youth are in the process. We remain committed to nurturing the next generation of Somali women who, like YEEP, continue to light the path toward equality and peace.
From Toy Cars to Real Engines: Mohamud’s Journey of Innovation and Hope
Meet Mohamud — a young innovator whose passion for cars began long before he could drive one. Growing up, Mohamud would spend hours crafting miniature cars out of wood, plastic, and any household materials he could find. What started as a childhood hobby soon revealed a remarkable creativity and determination to understand how things work.
Earlier this year, Mohamud joined the Elman Peace Technical and Vocational Training Programme to pursue his dream of becoming an auto-electric mechanic. But instead of leaving his early passion behind, he took it to the next level. Today, Mohamud is not only fixing real vehicles — he’s also integrating batteries and mobility functions into his handmade models, transforming his creations from static toys into working prototypes.
Behind every success story stands a mentor who believes. In Mohamud’s case, his teacher — pictured proudly behind him — has been that guiding force. His encouragement and support have helped Mohamud turn curiosity into innovation, and ambition into achievement.
At Elman Peace, we believe that when youth are given the right tools, mentorship, and opportunities, they can transform not only their futures but also their communities. Mohamud’s story is a powerful reminder that creativity and resilience thrive even in the most challenging contexts — and that investing in youth innovation is investing in Somalia’s future.
We are incredibly proud of Mohamud and all the young changemakers who continue to build, create, and dream big at Elman Peace.
