Hawa Abdi

Somali human rights activist and physician

Hawa Abdi Dhiblawe (1947 – 5 August 2020) was a prominent Somali physician, human rights activist, and philanthropist. She was renowned for her work in providing healthcare and support to displaced people in Somalia during times of conflict.

Early Life and Education

Hawa Abdi was born in 1947 in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia. She was the eldest of eight children. Her father was a businessman, and her mother was a homemaker. Abdi's early life was marked by the political changes in Somalia, which influenced her future work in humanitarian efforts.

Abdi pursued her education in the Soviet Union, where she studied medicine at the Kiev Medical Institute. She graduated in 1971, becoming one of the first female Somali doctors. Her education abroad provided her with a strong foundation in medical practice, which she later applied in her humanitarian work.

Career

Medical Practice

Upon returning to Somalia, Abdi worked at the Somali National University as a gynecologist. In 1983, she opened a small clinic on her family’s land in Afgooye, a town near Mogadishu. This clinic eventually grew into the Hawa Abdi General Hospital, which provided free healthcare to thousands of people.

Humanitarian Work

Dr. Hawa Abdi

During the Somali Civil War, Abdi's clinic became a refuge for displaced people. She expanded her operations to include a school and a feeding center, providing essential services to those affected by the conflict. Her efforts were supported by her daughters, Deqo Mohamed and Amina Mohamed, who are also trained doctors.

Abdi's work was not without challenges. In 2010, her compound was attacked by militants, but she stood firm, refusing to leave or close the facility. Her resilience earned her international recognition and support.

Awards and Recognition

Hawa Abdi received numerous awards for her humanitarian work, including the John Jay Justice Award and the Vital Voices Global Leadership Award. In 2012, she was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize alongside her daughters.

Legacy

File:2013 09 25 Hawa Abdi Center C.jpg

Hawa Abdi Center

Hawa Abdi's legacy continues through the Dr. Hawa Abdi Foundation, which her daughters now lead. The foundation continues to provide healthcare, education, and support to the Somali people, embodying Abdi's vision of peace and development.

Death

Hawa Abdi passed away on 5 August 2020, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and resilience. Her work has inspired many in Somalia and around the world to continue the fight for human rights and healthcare access.

Related Pages

• Somali Civil War
• Human rights in Somalia
• Women in medicine