PDRC's celebration for the International Women's Day

As the world celebrates the 100th anniversary of international women’s day, Somali community celebrated this wonderful day as well. In Puntland state, ministry of women and family affairs (MOWDAFA) leads the celebration of this magnificent day with collaboration of other agencies in each year.

Puntland Development Research Center (PDRC) is a research institution based in Puntland, Somalia. It is an institution that promotes peacebuilding initiatives and reconciliations.

PDRC is one of the agencies that partake in the celebration of the International Women’s Day in Puntland state of Somalia.

In 2010 and 2011, we developed a different strategy than the one we used before for the celebration of IWD. PDRC and it's partner Interpeace used to organize rally and hold party for the celebration of this remarkable day. But for the last two years, we (PDRC and Interpeace as a team) used this new strategy which is donating cash and materials to vulnerable people in puntland.

In this year’s celebration for the remarkable day, PDRC visited some places and donated to vulnerable people per their needs.

In Galkayo, PDRC visited Galkayo Mental Health Center which is a center that cures and cares for women who have mental disabilities. PDRC donated food, drinks, clothes and shopping to the center.

In Garowe, PDRC visited and donated mattresses and blankets to 45 people in Nasrullah psychiatric ward. PDRC also visited Kenadiid primary school which provides formal and informal education. There are 175 students in the school. PDRC donated books, pens, school bags and uniforms to the school. Furthermore, PDRC visited Hope and donated cash to 45 individuals living with HIV/AIDs.

We decided to celebrate this remarkable day by helping the vulnerable individuals.

Generally, celebration of international women’s day took place throughout Puntland state.