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Hawa AbdiSomali activist, doctor, human rights fighter
Date of Birth: 01.01.1947
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Content:
- Hawa Abdi: A Somali Saint
- Early Life and Education
- Medical and Legal Career
- The Civil War and Shelter for the Displaced
- Hawa and Deqo: A Mother-Daughter Legacy
- The Dr. Hawa Abdi Foundation
- Empowering Women and Enforcing Discipline
- Awards and Recognition
- An Unwavering Commitment
Hawa Abdi: A Somali Saint
Hawa Abdi, a Somali activist, physician, and human rights advocate, along with her daughter Dr. Deqo Mohamed, are known as the "Somali Saints." Amidst Somalia's brutal civil war, they established a school, hospital, and a community that empowers women. Their camp has sheltered over 2 million people and currently houses around 90,000, primarily women and children.
Early Life and Education
Born in Mogadishu, Somalia, in 1947, Hawa Abdi lost her mother at the age of 12 and took on the responsibilities of an older sister. A brilliant student, she received a scholarship from the Women's Committee of the Soviet Union in 1964 and studied medicine in Moscow. In 1971, she returned to Somalia and embarked on a law degree at Mogadishu's Somali National University, which she completed in 1973.
Medical and Legal Career
Hawa Abdi married in 1973 and welcomed her first child two years later. She juggled two jobs, practicing medicine in the mornings and law in the afternoons. In 1983, she founded the Rural Health Development Organization, which evolved from a 20-bed hospital to a 400-bed medical center.
The Civil War and Shelter for the Displaced
As Somalia plunged into civil war in the early 1990s, Hawa Abdi stayed at the insistence of locals, providing much-needed medical care. The conflict has lasted for nearly 20 years, impoverishing the nation and leaving its people desperate for work, food, and healthcare. Abdi's camp for displaced women became a sanctuary, attracting thousands from across the country.
Hawa and Deqo: A Mother-Daughter Legacy
Today, Hawa Abdi works alongside her daughter, Dr. Deqo Mohamed, who has also become a physician. The daily routine involves treating around 400 patients, with only five doctors and 16 nurses available. Two of Hawa's other daughters have also joined her in this mission.
The Dr. Hawa Abdi Foundation
In 2007, the organization was renamed the Dr. Hawa Abdi Foundation (DHAF). As Hawa and Deqo shared at TED, women in Somalia have become the backbone of society, constructing shelter, providing food, and caring for children. 75% of Abdi's beneficiaries are women and children, and she refuses to turn anyone away. Two years ago, the women established an 850-student school to support Somalia's neglected education system.
Empowering Women and Enforcing Discipline
The camp run by these remarkable women houses 90,000 people. Despite welcoming all, they enforce two inviolable rules. Firstly, there is no discrimination based on clan or political affiliation. Secondly, any husband who abuses his wife is detained and investigated. A small storeroom acts as a temporary prison for overzealous husbands.
Awards and Recognition
Hawa Abdi and her team face an overwhelming workload, treating at least 300 patients daily and performing 20-30 surgeries, in addition to running the camp. Since its inception, the camp has sheltered an estimated 2 million people. Despite providing free healthcare, the camp operates a farm where residents grow vegetables and corn, and a fish pond. In 2007, Abdi was named "Hiiraan Online's" Person of the Year, and in 2012, she was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. Her accolades include the WITW Foundation's "Women of Impact Award" and the "Social Humanitarian Award."
An Unwavering Commitment
Hawa Abdi acknowledges the extreme challenges of their work, and her daughters confide in her demanding nature. Yet, they remain steadfast in their mission, recognizing the desperate need for their services in war-torn Somalia, particularly for its most vulnerable citizens: women and children. Their tireless efforts and unwavering commitment have earned them the title "Somali Saints."
