About Somali Civic Voice

Somali Civic Voice (SCV) is a nascent grassroots movement born out of a collective resolve to confront and transform the systemic inequalities and governance gaps that continue to hinder Somalia’s progress toward a just and inclusive society. Founded in 2021 by a diverse group of civic actors, community organizers, and media professionals, SCV emerged as a response to longstanding social injustices—especially those rooted in gender inequality, weak accountability structures, and climate vulnerability.

Somalia faces a complex intersection of challenges: the persistent practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), the prevalence of early and forced marriages, widespread gender disparity in literacy and education, and the systematic exclusion of women and marginalized groups from governance and economic opportunities. These challenges are compounded by the underrepresentation of women in public leadership roles and the lack of inclusive, accountable governance systems. In addition, Somali communities—particularly women and girls—are increasingly vulnerable to climate-induced shocks such as droughts, floods, and displacement. Existing coping strategies are often weak or harmful, resulting in negative adaptations that deepen cycles of poverty, inequality, and marginalization.