Ayaan Women Development Association (AWODA)
is a non-governmental, non-political and nonprofit
making organization dedicated to development issues
in under-served and/or marginalized Somaliland
communities. AWODA organization is among
45 members of NAGAAD women umbrella and NAFIS
(Network against FGM in Somaliland), also AWODA
is the founder of this FGM network.
AWODA organization dedicated to respond the holistic human needs including social, physical, economic, cultural and emotional wellbeing marginalized segments of the hard to reach society; particularly women, children, youth and marginalized groups through comprehensive, standard, equitable easily accessible and participatory social services such as Female Genital Mutilation/Harmful Traditional Practices (FGM/HTPs)in order to improve the livelihoods status of women, children, youth and marginalized groups of Somaliland.
AWODA envisions Somaliland community that is literate, healthy, environmentally conscious, economically self-reliant and peaceful.
The population of Somaliland is estimated at around 3.7 million, 70% of which is below age 30. Split equally between male and female, the population is among the youngest in the world, and the population growth rate was estimated at 3.14 percent in 2004. Population density is estimated at approximately 25 persons per square kilometer. Fifty-five percent of the population is either nomadic or semi-nomadic, while 45% live in urban centers or rural towns. The average life expectancy for males is 50 and for females it is 55.
Is to strive to achieve a broadened opportunity for a secure and sustainable livelihood for deprived community with particular emphasize to women, children and marginalized groups who are the articulated theme of the organization.
-Is to save lives by fighting Against Female Genital Mutilation/Harmful Traditional Practices (FGM/HTPs); poverty and Illiteracy that threaten the lives of vulnerable children, women, Youths and marginalized groups in Somaliland.
AWODA is among the civil society organizations based in Somaliland that need to work together to end FGM – The Girl Generation; Governments; Mass-media; Humanitarian actors; & communities. There is evidence that attitudes to FGM are changing and many affected by FGM want the practice to end.