Mogadishu, Somalia – 11th October 2026: The Somali Child Rights Coalition (SCRC), with support from SOS Children’s Villages Somalia, has successfully concluded a two-day training focused on Safeguarding, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Prevention for Community Stakeholders.

The training, held on 10th –11th October 2026 at Hayat Hotel in Mogadishu, brought together 40 community stakeholders, including 18 women, to strengthen their knowledge and capacity to prevent and respond to safeguarding concerns, FGM, GBV and other forms of violence affecting children and communities.

The training provided a platform for participants to examine the causes and consequences of FGM and GBV, discuss harmful social norms and community practices, and identify practical ways communities can contribute to prevention, safeguarding and safe referral. Participants also discussed the importance of confidentiality, dignity, non-discrimination, informed consent and a child-sensitive approach when responding to protection concerns.

The training was officially opened by Mr. Bashir Said Hassan, Programs Director of SOS Children’s Villages Somalia, who thanked participants for dedicating their time and demonstrating commitment to the protection and wellbeing of Somali children.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Bashir emphasized the importance of collective responsibility and sustained community action in addressing the challenges faced by Somali children. He urged participants to use their positions and influence to advocate for stronger protection mechanisms and become a voice for children.

“𝐈𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐢𝐫𝐜𝐮𝐦𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐢 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐞𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡—𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬,”

He further noted that he had rushed from the airport to attend the training and deliver this message, explaining that he frequently uses different platforms to engage and inspire young people and communities to take responsibility for the future of Somali children.

Throughout the two-day training, participants actively engaged in discussions, group exercises and practical sessions examining how community stakeholders can identify risks, challenge harmful practices, strengthen prevention efforts and promote safer environments for children and other vulnerable community members.

The successful completion of the training marks another step in strengthening community-level capacity to address safeguarding, FGM and GBV. SCRC and SOS Children’s Villages Somalia reaffirmed their commitment to working with communities and other stakeholders to strengthen child protection systems and promote the rights, safety and wellbeing of Somali children.

The training concluded with participants reaffirming their commitment to take the knowledge and lessons gained back to their respective communities and contribute to collective efforts to prevent violence, protect children and promote positive social change.