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In post-war Somalia, Dr. Hawa Abdi Diblaawe is known as “Mama Hawa.” One of the first female gynecologists in her country, Hawa opened a one-room clinic on her family farm to help women in childbirth. When violent civil war broke out, she took a dangerous, selfless risk: Hawa turned the farm into a hospital, school and refugee camp, sheltering hundreds of thousands and saving countless lives.
The 22-year war may have ended, but Hawa’s commitment to her people hasn’t. She’s passed down her courage and compassion to her daughter, Dr. Deqo Mohammed, and together the two women continue to expand services as more and more displaced people seek refuge and medical care.
Renew your investment in Vital Voices so that we can continue to support and partner with incredible women like Hawa and Deqo.
In the five years since Vital Voices has worked with Hawa and Deqo, we’ve been able to provide practical support and training. In 2013, Hawa was honored with the Global Leadership Award, which helped to scale her vision and expand her global recognition. When their hospital was in urgent need of medical supplies, Vital Voices partnered with Boeing’s Humanitarian Flight Program to arrange for supplies to be safely delivered. And with support from Vital Voices supporters and partners like Nick Kristof, Glamour Magazine and other members of the Vital Voices network, Hawa raised enough money to keep her doors open and continue service delivery during the most difficult times. And since then – with the insights and skills she developed through our VV LEAD fellowship and Global Ambassadors Program – Deqo is now taking on a greater leadership role by initiating sustainable development efforts.
Find out more about the Dr. Hawa Abdi Foundation here, and make a generous gift today to help Vital Voices continue empowering women leaders around the world.
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