Ilwad Elman is a social activist living in Somalia. The YALI (Young African Leaders Initiative) alum comes from a legacy of world changers. She is one of four daughters of the late Elman Ali Ahmed. Although her father is more well-known, her mother, Fartun Adan, is an ardent peace advocate as well.

In 2016, Elman was appointed by UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon as a member of the advisory group of experts on youth, peace and security. Currently, Elman is the director of programs & development for the Elman Peace and Human Rights Centre in Mogadishu—Somalia’s first initiative targeted at survivors of domestic violence. Her mother is the other founder and executive director, where women in need of shelter and support receive help. Elman also chairs the Street Children Task Force in Mogadishu.

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