Meet Suban Abdi: The Woman Championing Protection for Vulnerable Communities in Belet-Hawo, Somalia

In Baarka IDP camp, located in the town of Belet-Hawo, Somalia, Suban Abdi is a woman on a mission. As a member of the Community-Based Protection Committee (CBPC), established by Danish Refugee Council with support from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), she dedicates her time and energy to ensuring that voices of the most vulnerable are heard and their safety is prioritized. For Suban, this role is not just about undertaking responsibility—it is about bringing hope to her community.

Baarka IDP camp is home to thousands of displaced people who have fled conflict, drought, and instability. Life here is challenging, with many families struggling to access basic needs like food, shelter, and healthcare. But, alongside these difficulties, residents face protection risks, including gender-based violence (GBV), child exploitation, and psychosocial abuse and distress.

For Suban, these challenges are personal. “I know what it feels like to live with fear and uncertainty,” she says. “That is why I decided to be part of the solution. I want to help my community feel safer and more supported.”

A Protector for Her Community

Suban’s work as a CBPC member starts with identifying risks. Each day, she walks through the camp, talking to families and listening to their concerns. “Sometimes, it is as simple as sitting down with a mother who is worried about her children,” Suban explains. “Other times, it is helping a survivor of violence take the first step toward recovery.

She also helps organize sessions to raise awareness about protection issues. Suban often focuses on educating women and girls, teaching them about their rights and how to stay safe. She recalls one workshop where young girls learned how to recognize and report unsafe situations. “After the session, one girl told me, ‘I didn’t know I had the right to say no to things that make me uncomfortable.’ That moment stayed with me,” Suban says with pride.

Suban’s work doesn’t stop at identifying risks. She plays a vital role in connecting people with the help they need. Whether it is referring a child to medical care, linking a GBV survivor to psychosocial support, or guiding a family to legal assistance, Suban ensures no one is left behind.

“There was a woman in the camp who had suffered in silence for a long time,” Suban recalls. “She didn’t know that help was available. I sat with her, listened to her story, and helped her access the support she needed. Today, she is doing much better, and seeing that transformation is what keeps me going.”

Overcoming Challenges

Suban acknowledges that her work is not without challenges. The issues she deals with can be emotionally draining, and the needs in the camp often feel overwhelming. Resources are limited, and the stigma surrounding certain topics, like GBV, can make it difficult to address them openly.

Despite the hardships, she is committed to helping her community build resilience and find hope in the face of adversity. “I believe in the strength of our people,” she says. “We may face many challenges, but we are not defeated. Together, we can create a future where everyone feels safe and valued.”