Galmudug, Somalia: In the heart of Galmudug State, three women are transforming climate despair into hope, action, and resilience — one conversation, one tree, and one community at a time.

In a region battered by erratic rains, rising heat, and the scourge of displacement — has found unlikely heroes in the voices of three determined women.

Trained through a climate justice initiative led by the Centre for Peace and Democracy (CPD) with support from Oxfam Somali, activists Faiso Mohamed Xashi, Safia Sheikh Cali, and Farxiya Ciise Maxamuud are not only sounding the alarm on climate change, but leading their communities to adapt and survive its consequences.

“Every morning, I gather women and children to talk about trees, water, and plastic. We clean, we learn, we change,” shares Faiso. For her, climate justice begins in the home. Her grassroots work champions women — the most impacted by climate shocks — as agents of change. With campaigns to reduce deforestation, protect water sources, and limit plastic waste, she’s creating an environmental ethic grounded in daily life.

Safia’s fight begins with the winds. In recent years, rains have grown scarce in Galmudug, and when they do arrive, they bring floods and destruction. “Pastoralists migrate, tensions rise,” she explains. “We need to prepare communities — not just for the weather, but for the consequences.” Her work shines a light on the overlooked nexus between climate displacement and inter-clan conflict, urging for education, preparedness, and solidarity.

Farxiya brings a message of inspiration. “Things are changing, and the for Minister of Environment, Somalia Khadija Al-Makhzoumi, has played a big part,” she says. “Leadership must include women. When we lead, we lead with heart.” Her advocacy calls for expanded awareness programs, especially for women and youth — a demographic often left behind but deeply affected.

These women are pushing against misinformation, systemic inequality, and the silence surrounding environmental degradation in Somalia. With CPD and Oxfam’s support, they now lead the charge in crafting a local climate justice narrative rooted in truth and action.

In a world where the climate crisis often feels insurmountable, Galmudug has its champions. And they are just getting started.

Three female activists participating in a two-day climate change workshop conducted by CPD in Dhusamareb Town, Galmudug State, on June 18–19, 2025.

Female climate activist and youth participating in a two-day climate change workshop conducted by CPD in Dhusamareb Town, Galmudug State, on June 18–19, 2025.

A section of climate change activist and youth on climate change hosted by CPD in Dhusamareb Town, Galmudug State, on June 18–19, 2025.

A group photo session during a two day training for climate activist and youth conducted by CPD in Dhusamareb Town, Galmudug State, on June 18–19, 2025.