2020 Aurora Humanitarians Fartuun Adan and Ilwad Elman are human rights defenders from Somalia who lead the Elman Peace and Human Rights Centre, inspired by Fartuun’s husband and Ilwad’s father, peace activist Elman Ali Ahmed who was murdered in 1996. The mother and daughter team champions women’s rights, rehabilitation of child soldiers, peacebuilding and development. Their courage and unwavering commitment to the people of Somalia has earned them global recognition.

However long it might take to bring their vision to life, Fartuun Adan and Ilwad Elman are all in. And according to Ilwad, they have no illusions about having their work cut out for them: “We want to invest in long-term solutions: in development, behavioral change, challenging social norms. Most of the people that work in the sectors that we do want to have quick results, and we know that reintegration and rehabilitation of children and young people is not a quick impact project. It’s a long-term commitment. But looking back at where we were just a mere ten years ago and remembering how much has changed in such short time is what keeps my mother and I focused and motivated.”

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