Two hundred women—drawn from displaced communities, low‑income households, and families facing severe economic hardship—have received small business funding aimed at promoting job creation and strengthening self‑reliance across their communities.
The beneficiaries were selected from several settlements, including Luglow, Halgan, Istanbul, and various neighborhoods across Kismayo. Through this initiative, the women will gain access not only to start‑up capital but also to practical business training designed to help them build sustainable sources of income.
The program specifically targets the pressing livelihood needs of both internally displaced women and vulnerable members of the host community. Alongside financial support, participants will receive skills training and business development coaching to help them expand their micro‑enterprises and improve the wellbeing of their families.
This project is the result of a joint effort involving the Kismayo District Administration, the Ministry of Women, the Ministry of Commerce, and the Jubaland IDP Agency. Implementation is being led by the Somali Women’s Study Center (SWSC) with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Organizers described the initiative as a “light of hope” for hundreds of women who have long struggled with limited opportunities and persistent economic challenges. The new funding and capacity‑building support are expected to empower the women to build more stable and resilient livelihoods.
