Cairo: Salma Osman Abdi, a Somali woman who has emerged as a prominent leader in Cairo, is making significant strides in empowering displaced communities through her role as the Executive Director of the SAFWAC Foundation. Born and raised in Mogadishu, Somalia, Abdi moved to Cairo in 2006 and has been instrumental in establishing the foundation since its inception in 2011. She was appointed Executive Director in late 2022, reflecting her deep commitment to aiding displaced communities and refugees in Egypt.
According to Global Voices, the SAFWAC Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life for Somali refugees and other vulnerable groups in Egypt. Officially registered with the Egyptian Ministry of Social Solidarity in 2022, the foundation aims to empower women, children, youth, and the elderly by providing tailored services. SAFWAC has become a central hub for the Somali community in Egypt and has extended its services to refugees from countries such as Yemen, Palestine, Ethiopia, Sudan, South Sudan, Eritrea, Iraq, and Syria.
SAFWAC’s work focuses on five key areas: education and awareness, psychosocial and legal protection, cultural and literary services, creative space, and volunteer preparation. These services aim to create an environment where displaced individuals can grow and integrate into their host communities. Abdi emphasizes the importance of addressing the challenges faced by the Somali community in Egypt, including isolation, limited resources, and cultural barriers, by offering structured services that promote resilience and empowerment.
Inclusivity is a core aspect of SAFWAC’s mission, as the foundation recognizes that vulnerability and displacement transcend national boundaries. By focusing on inclusivity, SAFWAC fosters a united community where individuals can maintain their dignity and identity. Recently, the foundation expanded its operations to Mogadishu, focusing on community awareness and promoting a culture of reading and literature.
SAFWAC’s impact has been profound, with thousands of individuals benefiting from its services. The foundation’s holistic approach, which combines immediate legal support with long-term empowerment initiatives, has earned it an exemplary status among refugee communities. Looking ahead, Abdi envisions further expansion of SAFWAC’s programs to reach more individuals and ensure that no one is left behind.
Abdi remains hopeful for SAFWAC’s future, aiming to contribute to the development of a healthy and balanced society where vulnerable populations can live dignified lives. The foundation welcomes collaboration through volunteering, partnerships, and donations, encouraging people to learn more about its programs and services online.