Fartuun Adan

Fartuun Adan, born in 1969, is a prominent Somali entrepreneur and human rights defender, renowned for her unwavering commitment to social activism. As the executive director of the Elman Peace and Human Rights Centre in Mogadishu, she leads initiatives focused on peace building and the empowerment of marginalized communities.

In addition to her role at Elman, Adan is a co-founder of Sister Somalia, the first program in the country dedicated to providing crisis support for survivors of gender-based violence. Her pioneering efforts have created vital resources for those in need, making a significant impact on the lives of many.

Adan's dedication to human rights has not gone unnoticed; she has received numerous prestigious awards, including the International Women of Courage Award from the United States Department of State in two thousand thirteen, a human rights award from the German government in two thousand fourteen, and the Gleitsman International Activist Award from Harvard Kennedy School in two thousand fifteen. Her accolades also include the Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity in two thousand twenty and the Right Livelihood Award in two thousand twenty-two.