Ilwad Elman has emerged as a transformative leader in Somalia’s peace process and a global advocate for ending conflict and preventing violent extremism. After losing her father, a prominent peace activist, to assassination, Ilwad and her family sought asylum in Canada. However, at the age of 19, she chose to leave the security of exile and return to Somalia, still gripped by violent conflict. Alongside her mother, she co-founded the Elman Peace Centre, which has since become a beacon of hope in a nation ravaged by unrest.
At 20, Ilwad established Somalia’s first rape crisis centre, laying the foundation for a comprehensive network of support for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. These centres now operate across eight regions, providing psychosocial counselling, medical care, legal aid, and safe housing. Through her efforts, survivors are not only supported but also empowered with education and livelihood opportunities.
Ilwad’s impact extends beyond addressing gender-based violence. Her innovative disarmament and reintegration programs target former combatants and at-risk youth, addressing the root causes of extremism. These community-based initiatives have been instrumental in rehabilitating and reintegrating individuals, fostering a sustainable pathway to peace.
Her advocacy has reached international platforms, including her role as the youngest-ever board member of the UN Peacebuilding Fund, advising on fragile and conflict-affected states. Ilwad has also shaped global policy, contributing to UN Security Council Resolution 2250 on youth, peace, and security. Her methodologies for peacebuilding in active conflict zones are now being implemented in other regions across Africa.
In addition to her work with the Elman Peace Centre, Ilwad serves in numerous leadership roles, including as a UNICEF Global Board Member, chairing gender-based violence initiatives in Mogadishu, and championing global campaigns to end violence against women and girls. Her expertise and dedication have earned her international recognition, including a Nobel Peace Prize nomination in 2019 and several prestigious awards highlighting her influence as a young African leader.
