Cairo: Salma Osman Abdi, the Executive Director of the SAFWAC Foundation, is making significant strides in empowering displaced communities in Cairo, Egypt. Born in Mogadishu, Somalia, Salma moved to Cairo in 2006 and co-founded the SAFWAC Foundation in 2011 to support Somali refugees and vulnerable groups in Egypt. In late 2022, she was appointed as the Executive Director of the foundation.
According to Global Voices, the SAFWAC Foundation was established to provide a better quality of life for Somali refugees in Egypt and has extended its support to other vulnerable groups. Officially registered with the Egyptian Ministry of Social Solidarity in 2022, the foundation focuses on empowering women, children, youth, and the elderly by offering tailored services. It serves as a hub for the Somali community while also supporting refugees from Yemen, Palestine, Ethiopia, Sudan, South Sudan, Eritrea, Iraq, and Syria.
The foundation’s main services are concentrated in five key areas: education and awareness, psychosocial and legal protection, cultural and literary services, space for creativity, and volunteer preparation. These initiatives aim to reduce isolation, promote resilience, and offer tools for personal and professional growth.
The Somali community in Egypt faces challenges such as isolation, limited resources, cultural barriers, and legal and psychosocial difficulties. SAFWAC addresses these issues by providing structured services that offer immediate legal support and promote long-term empowerment through education and cultural engagement.
Inclusivity is a core principle of SAFWAC’s mission, as vulnerability and displacement transcend nationalities. The foundation embraces people from across the region, fostering a united community where everyone can live with dignity.
Recently, SAFWAC expanded its operations to Mogadishu, focusing on community awareness and promoting reading and literature. This initiative aims to cultivate a literate and culturally engaged society, supporting Somalis both in the diaspora and their homeland.
SAFWAC has positively impacted thousands of people, alleviating isolation and providing support during challenging times. Salma Osman Abdi envisions a future where SAFWAC expands its programs and reaches more people, ensuring no one feels forgotten. The foundation continues to welcome collaboration through volunteering, partnerships, and donations to further its mission.