People
Ilwad Elman: A force for peace and change in Somalia
February 18, 2025
8
Min
Ilwad Elman, a Somali-Canadian activist, has become a prominent figure in Somalia’s peacebuilding and human rights efforts. Born in Mogadishu to renowned peace activists Elman Ali Ahmed and Fartuun Adan, she grew up with a deep understanding of the struggles her country faced.
Her father, Elman Ali Ahmed, was a trailblazer for disarmament and rehabilitation, coining the famous phrase: “Drop the gun, pick up the pen.” His assassination in 1996 forced the family to flee to Canada, but Ilwad’s commitment to his vision led her back to Somalia in 2010.
Upon her return, Ilwad co-founded Sister Somalia, the country’s first rape crisis center, providing much-needed support to survivors of gender-based violence. The center offers counseling, medical aid, legal support, and safe housing, breaking societal taboos and empowering women.
As the Director of Programs and Development at the Elman Peace Centre, she has led numerous initiatives, including:
Her relentless drive to change Somalia has earned international recognition.
Ilwad’s work extends beyond Somalia’s borders. She is a leading voice in international peace discussions and a member of the Extremely Together initiative by the Kofi Annan Foundation, which empowers young leaders to prevent violent extremism.
She has also briefed the United Nations Security Council multiple times, pushing for inclusive peace processes, gender equity, and youth empowerment in conflict resolution.
Her efforts have not gone unnoticed:
Ilwad’s work has inspired many, including her peers and family. Her sister, Iman Elman, expressed her admiration:
“I'm so proud of my sister. Her formidable leadership, sacrifices & humility inspire me & countless others.”
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Ilwad herself has emphasized the importance of non-state solutions in a fragile country like Somalia:
"We want to be the support system that's not provided by the state."
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Ilwad Elman’s efforts offer a blueprint for Somalia’s path to lasting peace and stability. Her focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment has the potential to break the cycle of violence that has plagued the country for decades.
Instead of relying solely on military intervention, Ilwad promotes social reintegration of ex-combatants, reducing the recruitment pool for extremist groups. This approach has already seen success in several regions and could serve as a model for broader peace initiatives.
By advocating for women’s rights, mental health, and youth empowerment, Ilwad helps build a more resilient and self-sustaining civil society. This is crucial for a country where government structures remain weak.
Ilwad’s work challenges the international perception of Somalia as a failed state. Through grassroots-driven change, she showcases Somalia’s potential for renewal, attracting foreign partnerships and investments in peacebuilding.
Perhaps the most powerful aspect of her work is her ability to inspire young Somalis to take active roles in rebuilding their country. If more young leaders follow her path, Somalia could witness a generational shift toward peace and governance driven by its own people.
Ilwad Elman represents the best of what Somalia has to offer—resilience, innovation, and hope. Through her work, she is not just healing the wounds of war but laying the foundation for a peaceful and progressive Somalia. If her vision continues to gain traction, Somalia’s future could be one of stability, not strife—a nation where peace is not just a dream but a reality.
