At my desk, I’m writing about women who are transforming humanitarian aid from the ground up - redefining what leadership, care, and agency look like in Somalia and across the diaspora. #WomenHumanitarians #SomaliWomen #ResearchInAction #EvidenceForImpact #LocalizationInAction

Today at the French Embassy in Nairobi, NGOs and UN partners from Kenya and Somalia came together to mark World Humanitarian Day 2025—honoring humanitarian workers and reflecting on urgent global and regional challenges. This year’s theme, “Strengthening global solidarity and empowering local communities,” underscores the need for collective action. With 300M people in need worldwide and only 16% of requirements funded, discussions emphasized the severe impact of funding cuts, climate shocks, and access constraints on humanitarian response. “The call is clear: scale up anticipatory action and advance localization by resourcing national and local humanitarian actors to lead effective and sustainable response,” said Hussein Kulmiye @HamzaKulmiye, Executive Director of SOLO. We thank the French Embassy for convening and supporting this annual platform that strengthens solidarity and fosters strategic dialogue. Now is the time to turn words into action. #WorldHumanitarianDay #LocalizationInAction #HumanitarianAction #Solidarity #Kenya #Somalia #FrenchEmbassy #SOLO #AnticipatoryAction #AnticipatoryAction

Thank you @DRC_Kenya and all the donors who attended the #SMP Donor Roundtable - your continued support fuels our journey toward sustainable, locally led impact. #GoLocal #LocalizationInAction @midpkenya @NAPADNGO @SolidarityInit1 @hesedafrica @Refugees

We are deeply honored to have hosted a delegation from @dfat and @oxfaminKE for a transformative two-day monitoring visit to Marsabit County on November 26-27, 2024. This visit underscored the profound impact of our collaboration in saving lives, strengthening resilience, and transforming livelihoods in one of Kenya’s most drought-affected regions. On Day 1, the delegation witnessed firsthand the remarkable changes brought about by the project at Kubi Dibayu, where the community once endured the hardship of trekking up to 40 kilometers for water, with women and girls facing dire hygiene challenges due to severe water scarcity. Today, with the realization of a fully equipped 515-meter deep borehole, their water woes are now a thing of the past. The key milestones at Kubi Dibayu include: 🟤Installation of a 50,000-liter elevated steel tank, 🟤Solar-powered systems and the full equipping of the borehole, and 🟤Construction of strategically placed water points to ensure equitable access for all. The delegation also engaged with Marsabit County leadership, including the County Commissioner and Deputy Governor, to ensure our initiatives are fully aligned with county development priorities and amplify sustainable local impact. On Day 2, the delegation traveled to Namarei and Farakoren, where they met with communities whose lives have been drastically improved by our interventions. From cash transfers to WASH assistance and protection services, beneficiaries shared how these efforts have helped them recover and thrive amidst the devastating impacts of drought. A landmark achievement was the Open Defecation Free (ODF) certification of the Ongeli community in Farakoren—a testament to the power of community-driven change. This visit reaffirmed the undeniable strength of partnerships for lasting change. We are incredibly grateful to DFAT and Oxfam for their unwavering support, which continues to empower communities and create a more resilient and sustainable future for Marsabit County. Together, we are building transformative solutions that are shaping a brighter tomorrow for vulnerable communities. #ImpactThatMatters #resiliencethroughcollaboration #WaterForAll #localizationinaction #EmpoweringCommunities #sustainabledevelopment @AHP @AusHCKenya

The localization agenda aligns perfectly with the #PBOAct, reinforcing the importance of local ownership and accountability. This isn’t just about resource transfer, it’s about empowering Kenyans, especially women, youth, and people with disabilities, with the skills and opportunities to lead and drive change within their communities” - Caroline Nyambura. #C4Ckenya #LocalizationInAction

We’re honored to host an inspiring panel to discuss Localization in Practice.Joined by representatives from @USAIDKenya @PBOAuthority, ASAL Humanitarian Network, @CRSKenya , and @CAID_Kenya. Panelists are exploring the journey of #Localization, sharing successes, challenges, and lessons, and highlighting the importance of locally led development and humanitarian action. #C4Ckenya #LocalizationInAction

"This is a labour of love...we have made friends, we have built a lot of trust" - Assoc. Prof. @gibbons3_pat PI @BRTEProject @UCDCentreforHA @ucdagfood @ucddublin #EUHorizon2020 #humanitarianaction #Resilience #LocalizationInAction @WSodoUniversity

Happening Now‼️ Public Presentation by PhD research scholars from @WSodoUniversity & @ucddublin Every study in @BRTEProject addresses the felt needs of the community. This is research by the community, for the community and in the community. #LocalizationInAction #Resilience

Proud and honored to be part of this learning and sharing process, and contributing to the future strategies for women empowerment interventions. #strongertogether #localizationinaction