Ilwad Elman

Somali-Canadian activist revolutionizing peacebuilding and women's rights in conflict zones

Ilwad Elman stands as a beacon of hope in Somalia's turbulent landscape, blending grassroots activism with innovative peacebuilding strategies. As co-founder of the Elman Peace and Human Rights Center, she pioneered the 'Drop the Gun, Pick the Pen' program that rehabilitated over 20,000 child soldiers through vocational training.

Her groundbreaking ‘Sister Somalia’ initiative established the country's first rape crisis center in 2011, challenging cultural taboos in a nation where sexual violence was rarely discussed. This courageous move earned her the Right Livelihood Award nomination and recognition as one of BBC's 100 Women in 2022.

What truly makes Ilwad different is her technology-driven approach to social change. She implemented blockchain-based ID systems for displaced persons and created PeaceApp - a mobile platform connecting conflict mediators across East Africa. Her TED Talk on 'Radical Inclusion in Peace Processes' has been viewed over 2 million times.

Despite surviving assassination attempts and losing family members to violence (including her father Elman Ali Ahmed, the 'Somalia's Gandhi'), Ilwad continues developing innovative solutions like solar-powered community centers that double as tech hubs and trauma healing spaces.