Gender-Based Violence

ARDO recognizes that Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is a critical and growing concern in Somaliland, affecting the health, dignity, and rights of women, girls, and marginalized groups. Deep-rooted cultural practices, poverty, displacement, and limited access to justice contribute to high rates of sexual violence, domestic abuse, child marriage, and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). ARDO is committed to addressing GBV as both a human rights violation and a barrier to social and economic development, integrating GBV prevention and response into its humanitarian and development programmes across Somaliland.

ARDO’s GBV programming focuses on building safer communities through locally driven solutions. The organization engages religious leaders, elders, youth, and women’s groups to challenge harmful practices and advocate for gender equality. At the same time, ARDO works to improve services for survivors of GBV by strengthening referral pathways and providing essential medical care, psychosocial support, legal aid, and safe spaces. Collaborating with government institutions, local civil society, and international partners, ARDO seeks to create sustainable systems that protect vulnerable individuals and promote resilience.

ARDO emphasizes evidence-based programming to address the unique challenges in Somaliland’s context, including gaps in legal protection, social stigma, and underreporting of GBV cases. Through research and advocacy, ARDO pushes for policy reforms, increased funding, and community-led initiatives to prevent violence and support survivors. The organization envisions a Somaliland where all people live free from violence and can fully participate in society with dignity and equal rights.

Key Activities in Somaliland

• Conduct community awareness campaigns to challenge harmful cultural norms and practices, including FGM and child marriage
• Engage religious leaders, elders, and men in promoting GBV prevention and women’s rights
• Train healthcare providers, police, and community leaders in survivor-centred GBV response
• Establish and support safe spaces and shelters for GBV survivors in key regions
• Provide medical care, psychosocial counselling, legal support, and livelihood assistance to GBV survivors
• Advocate for stronger implementation of GBV-related laws and policies in Somaliland
• Carry out research and data collection on GBV prevalence, drivers, and service gaps
• Develop culturally appropriate information, education, and communication (IEC) materials on GBV
• Collaborate with government agencies, local NGOs, and international partners for coordinated GBV prevention and response
• Integrate GBV risk mitigation into ARDO’s broader health, education, and livelihoods programmes