The Women of Ladan: Stories of Resilience from Somalia’s Displaced Communities

The Ladan Women’s Market was built by the International Organization for Migration, with support from the Greta Thunberg Foundation and USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA). A handful of the the entrepreneurs active in the market were also provided with business startup support, made possible with a grant from the Government of the Kingdom of Norway. 

These efforts represent crucial steps in addressing the needs of displaced women. In Ladan, Saynab established a small business selling vegetables. 

“I set up a place in an open space using a mat and bought two kilos of potatoes, tomatoes, capsicum, and similar vegetables. This hall was built for us. We sell our products here. We are better off now,” Saynab said.

Like most internally displaced persons in Somalia, Saynab Ahmed Ali tried to adapt to the impact of climate change. But when a severe drought left her with nothing to care for herself or her nine children, she was forced to leave her home, in Luuq, in 2022.

“Before being displaced, we were herders, but we lost everything. That’s when we moved to Ladan two years ago,” she explained.

The move to the Ladan settlement, in Doolow, Gedo Region, was a desperate measure for survival. Women and children can face additional vulnerabilities in displacement, including risks to their safety and barriers in accessing employment opportunities. To support her family, Seyneb began selling groceries in an open marketplace under the scorching sun. The recent establishment of a market run by women in Ladan has given Saynab and others a chance to improve their situation. 

“I never imagined I would be running my own successful business and earning a steady income to support my children,” added Sahra Ibrahim Farah, one of the business owners in Ladan Women’s Market who received support from IOM.  

The market has not only provided these business owners with new sources of income but also improved their families’ living conditions; they are now able to provide for themselves, support their communities and send their children to school. 

“We saw the difficult circumstances of displaced women doing business in open spaces where their property wasn't safe. The market was small, lacked proper tables or shelves, and their homes were far from where they conducted business,” said Liban Abdullahi, an IOM Camp Coordination and Camp Management Field Assistant, describing the economic conditions in the Ladan settlement. Female vendors walking early morning and at night with their stock also face risks of gender-based violence.  

In response to these challenges, IOM conducted an assessment and planned a dedicated market space. The community in and around Ladan played a leading role in the design and location of the market, a measure that will contribute to local ownership and long-term sustainability of the initiative. 

“We constructed a market to develop their business. They needed a place to store goods and solve their current troubles. We installed solar power and provided electricity. This market has 15 shops and can accommodate 60 businesses. We support their independence and social ownership,” Liban added.

The market’s success has brought significant improvements; the space has become a vibrant hub for trade and community life, reflecting the progress achieved through collective effort. In addition to the construction of the market,  

“Surrounding villages now come here for supplies. The things that people used to go to the city for, which is 8 km away, are now available here. They store everything overnight,” Liban noted. 

“Without a source of income, I felt trapped. Now, I am the proud owner of a thriving vegetable shop that is not only feeding my family but also improving accessibility and affordability of the vegetables to the IDPs,” said Seyneb Farah Ahmed. “This has helped reduce the burden and cost of having to travel outside the camp to meet their basic needs.” 

The stories of the women running the market in Ladan highlight the resilience and adaptability of Somali displaced communities. The market not only provides a space for economic activity but also fosters a sense of community and independence. 

“[My] tea shop has brought not just economic benefits but also a sense of belonging. Neighbours now gather here to catch up, share stories and enjoy a warm cup of tea. It’s become the heart of our camp,” said Habiba Salad Ahmed.

As Saynab, Sahra, Habiba and their fellow traders continue to run their businesses, the market stands as a symbol of resilience, self-determination and possibility for other displaced communities across Somalia.