Recent Programs

U.S. Ambassador Michael Ranneberger with Somali Musicians

Somali Women of Courage: Celebrating Women's Vision

March 27, 2008
Nairobi, Kenya

The U.S. Embassy in Nairobi sponsored a reception with the theme “Somali Women of Courage: Celebrating Women’s Vision,” at the residence of U.S. Ambassador to Kenya on March 27.  Over 100 guests attended the celebration, which was the first of its kind organized by the U.S. Embassy.  The event, in celebration of Women’s History Month, aimed to give Somali women a unique forum for discussing their goals and to join other women in celebrating the achievements of Somali women.  In order to encourage high level of participation and instill sense of ownership, the Embassy engaged a group of four Somali women to lead in organizing the event.  It is an inter-generation group of Somali women leaders who are currently based in Nairobi. 

Somali Women at the Ambassador's Residence

Among the Somali women in attendance were politicians, human rights activists, civil society members, aid workers, business entrepreneurs, and representatives of traditional and cultural groups as well as youth associations.  One of the notable guests was Farhiyio Farah Ibrahim, winner of the 2008 Secretary’s International Woman of Courage Award.  Ms. Ibrahim had recently returned from the awards ceremony in Washington.  Halima Mohamud, founder of the new Somali women’s lifestyle magazine “Sahan”, also made remarks and displayed her magazine’s second issue.