Somali Women's Scholarship Fund

Two years ago a group of women enthusiastically enrolled in the Puntland State University journalism program. They wanted to tell you their stories of growing up in war torn Somalia. They wanted to tell their neighbors, officials, and the rest of the world about the inequalities and injustices in their communities. Sadly, in this nation suffering from a civil war, these women were forced to choose between eating and an education. A stable Somalia will need lawyers to uphold the law, doctors to keep communities healthy, teachers to educate the next generation, and journalists to monitor society's progress. All of these professions demand education beyond basic high school. Women have been hit the hardest by this raging civil war and they require support to ensure that they can participate in the rebuilding of their society. Here in the U.S. we have financial aid offices that work to ensure students are not faced with deciding between school and survival. Unfortunately, Somalis do not have this luxury. Now there is hope! The Somali Women's Scholarship Fund. The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has partnered with seven Somali Universities to help these bright young women realize their potential. $1,000 will send one woman to college in Somalia for one year. UNDP believes that it is important to develop local ability to solve local problems. Thus, the Somali Women's Scholarship Fund is administered by the Somali Universities with oversight and advice from UNDP. It is neither lack of ability nor motivation that bars women from attending higher learning institutions and becoming tomorrow's leaders. Help give Somali women the opportunities they deserve!