Somaliland: ISF launches a new project with BVO  

International Solidarity Foundation (ISF) and Barwaaqo Voluntary Organization (BVO) have decided to launch a new project scheduled to start in early 2023. 

“The project (with BVO) will further strengthen our foothold in Somaliland. The project will take place in Todgheer region – familiar to us from our other ongoing projects – but will expand our work and impact to new communities”, says Maria Väkiparta, ISF’s Programme Manager. 

In its first phase, the project focuses on mitigating the violence against women (VAWG), especially on the issues of female genital mutilation (FGM) and child marriages. The three-year programme will indirectly influence the lives of around 36 000 individuals. 

“Simultaneously, our aim is also to launch activities promoting the livelihood of women. We are currently mapping out possibilities and requirements for launching business opportunities around ecological cloth menstrual pads. Such activities would align very well as a part of our work on reproductive health and women’s rights in general”, continues Väkiparta. 

Barwaaqo Voluntary Organization (BVO) is a non-political, non-governmental, and non-profit making development action-oriented and advocacy organization that was founded in 1996 by a committed gender-balanced group in Somaliland. It operates in five regions across Somaliland. The project with BVO will be the fourth ISF has in Somaliland.