Among the 301 honorable people nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, a Somali women's rights activist ranks at the top of the shortlist.
The list of distinguished activists, advocates and humanitarians was released last Friday to the public. It included East African women's rights activist Ilwad Elman. She began her humanitarian work at the tender age of 19. Both of her parents served as peace activists in Somalia during the 90s, serving as the inspiration for her current activism.
However, due to the danger of her father's work with young people, he was assassinated on March 9, 1996, amid political unrest. Elman's mother, Fartuun Adan, escaped the ongoing military conflict in the country with her and her sisters in tow. They were fortunate enough to receive asylum in Canada where they set up a new, prosperous life.
So honored to be nominated & shortlisted for the Nobel Peace Prize. https://t.co/rGWGi29Xw9
@ElmanPeaceHRC ???????????????????????? pic.twitter.com/V9Hjg45xOS— Ilwad Elman (@IlwadElman) September 27, 2019
In 2010, at the age of 19, she returned to her native Mogadishu, Somalia, to give back and change the nation for the better. The 29-year-old now is a champion for women's rights. She opened the first rape crisis center in her nation, Sister Somalia. The organization provides an array of services including psychosocial counseling, trauma healing and emergency medical care for survivors of gender-based violence.
Her parents' organization, Elman Peace, was started in 1990 but rebuilt by Adan in 2006. Now, Elman continues her parents' work as the director of programs and development.
The activist has an extensive humanitarian background ranging from social justice, political reform and social entrepreneurship.
According to the Elman Peace website, the young woman serves as a "One Young World Ambassador to Somalia since 2013; completed President Barrack Obama’s flagship White House fellowship for Young African Leaders in 2014 and in the same year was appointed Youth Ambassador to Somalia for Ending Sexual Violence in Conflict."
"I am excited the world is recognizing the many years of hard work at Elman Peace," Elman told HOL from Canada. "We work under difficult conditions but I am glad we have not only changed lives but the world is also paying attention."
In the wake of Somalia's turbulent political climate, the nation needs leaders like Elman and her mother more than ever. The Nobel Peace Prize will be presented on October 11.
