Friend, did you hear? The Associated Press recently reported that trends in Somalia's drought are worse than in the 2011 famine where a quarter-million people died. But sadly, the world is looking elsewhere.
As the Horn of Africa weathers the longest and most severe drought in its history after a SIXTH consecutive failed rainy season, this crisis is escalating in danger to all Somalians. But as in many other humanitarian situations, it is women and girls who are the most vulnerable. In addition to eating last and least, women and girls also face a heightened risk of assault and have unique reproductive health needs that are often overlooked.
This makes Somalia one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a mother. And that’s why a generous group of donors is matching the first $25,000 raised this May — so your gift before Mother’s Day will have DOUBLE the impact on lifesaving care for women and girls in drought-stricken regions like Somalia.
Ifrah — a 28-year-old widow and mother of five — was on the brink of starvation when she fled her home to seek refuge at a camp for displaced peoples.
Armed conflict and the worsening drought have forced millions of women and families like Ifrah’s to embark on grueling treks, with little water or food, for days on end to reach camps hoping to find food and shelter.
The lack of basic necessities like food and water plus the embarrassment of not having proper clothes and hygiene supplies made life at the camp extremely difficult for Ifrah.
But when one of our outreach teams identified Ifrah as a refugee needing immediate support, she was relieved to receive clean clothes for herself and her two daughters and a dignity kit containing essential supplies for her reproductive health.
For Ifrah, these items meant more than just physical comfort and hygiene — they restored her dignity and gave her hope for a better future. Despite challenge after challenge, Ifrah remains resilient and will have the chance to rebuild her life and provide a better future for her children.
Your matched gift this Mother’s Day will deliver more dignity kits to mothers like Ifrah. And with the world looking elsewhere, millions of displaced women and girls in the Horn of Africa are counting on your support.
Thank you for not looking away when women, girls, and mothers like Ifrah are in urgent need of basic necessities. Together, we can deliver a world where every woman and girl has access to lifesaving sexual and reproductive health care, no matter what.
Jacob Geers
USA for UNFPA
Director of Digital Fundraising and Engagement
P.S. This Mother’s Day season we’ve been highlighting the most dangerous places in the world to be a mother. So far we’ve told the stories of mothers from Syria, Türkiye, Sudan, Ukraine, and now Somalia. Will you help support mothers in these crisis regions and around the world by making a contribution today? It will be matched by a group of generous donors – we don’t want this opportunity to deliver lifesaving care to slip away!
Your gift will deliver lifesaving sexual and reproductive health care to women and girls in more than 150 countries around the world. Thank you for being there for every woman and girl.
