ABOUT US

The name "Nagaad" is a Somali word meaning "after hardship and difficulties, we have come to rest in peace". The name symbolizes the painful moments the women went through both during the war and post conflict Somaliland.

The foundation of Nagaad came in the wake of the second nation-wide peace conference in Hargeisa 1996-97, in which all political, and traditional leaders participated. The purpose of the conference was first to bring to an end the civil conflict that broke out in Somaliland in 1994, and at the same time to elect the president and the members of the House of Representatives. Subsequently, women were left out and not invited to the conference.

Having found out this, representatives of women groups lobbied for women's participation in the meeting but were denied this right on the basis of clan. After some more lobbying, 6 women were allowed to participate and later another 7 more joined them as observers - which means that they were neither allowed to vote, nor to elect their choice of candidates.

As a result, women's organizations, which at that time were 30 in number, came together in order to address this problem. After three and half months of consecutive meetings, it was agreed in May 1997 to establish a women's umbrella organization - the first of its kind in Somaliland.

The aim then was to have an organized, collective voice of women who can fight for their political, economic and social rights. In the very first years Nagaad focused on two major goals;

(i) institutional building and
(ii) advocacy on women's participation in the decision making process.

VISION

Nagaad strives for a Somaliland where there is gender equality and equity, which ensures equitable access to the distribution of power and national resources at all levels.

MISSION

To advance the social, political and social status of women in Somaliland.

ORGANIZATIONAL OBJECTIVES

There are three broad goals, which are:

(i) To advocate for women's participation in the decision making process in Somaliland.
(ii) To strengthen the capacity of its members to implement effective projects for the realization of women's economic, political, and social advancement.
(iii) The establishment of an effective network for women NGO's, as well as other groups working for the advancement of women.

Since its establishment, Nagaad has focused on the following four thematic areas:

- Capacity building: it is intended to equip the member organizations with skills and knowledge which would enable them to run their offices effectively and efficiently

- Environment: the programme is meant to facilitate deeper understanding of the current environmental problems, and to influence all stakeholders to acquire a protective attitude towards the environment

- Human rights: the objective of this activity is to advocate for the human rights of women. Apart from raising the awareness of the people, this activity entails investigating, documenting and monitoring gender-based violence in Somaliland. In addition to that, the program provides counseling to victims of violence against women.

- HIV/AIDS: it is an outreach programme that is meant to educate the public about HIV/AIDS, its effect, symptoms, prevention methods, etc. Since it is mostly awareness raising, it carries culturally and religiously sensitive messages that influence people to be faithful to one partner or to abstain from sex.

- Women in decision making: it advocates and lobbies for women's rights to political participation. The programme also strengthens the capacity of potential women leaders in order to attain leadership positions.

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

- General Assembly
- Board of Directors
- Hired Staff composed of:
Executive Director, Program Officer, Women in Decision making Officer, Coordinator of Environment Network, Finance & Admin. Officer, Asst. Administrator, Accountant, Cashier, 2 Drivers and 3 Subordinate staff.

CONTACT US

Mailing Address:

The Executive Director,
Nagaad Umbrella Organization,
Hargeisa, Somaliland,
Dahabshiil Mail Express,
P.O. Box 4630,
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Tel: +252 2 427l63/ +252 213 4692
Mobile: +252 2 427496
Fax: +252 213 4501 or +252 213 44l6
Email: nagaad@telesom.net
Email: nagaadorg@yahoo.com
Website: www.nagaad.org