Somaya Mahmoud, a young woman with a disability and a board member at the Farah Foundation, joined the YW4A programme with a clear goal: to ensure that women with disabilities are no longer ignored. Her motivation came from personal experience, years of navigating a world where support systems were not built for women like her.
Through YW4A, she gained access to leadership training, interfaith dialogues, and advocacy workshops, giving her the tools to lead confidently.
One of the key turning points was her participation in the “Together with You” Interfaith Dialogue. There, she spoke openly about the violence and discrimination faced by women with disabilities, experiences that are often invisible. Her testimony shifted the conversation in the room. Faith leaders and decision-makers responded with a commitment to create more inclusive spaces and policies.
With the skills she gained from the programme, Somaya went on to lead a community awareness campaign that reached more than 200 people.
She shared powerful stories, challenged stigma, and championed the rights of women with disabilities— bringing attention to the unique ways gender-based violence affects this group.
Her story reflects the core of YW4A’s approach: building the confidence and capacity of young women to speak up, lead, and influence change in their communities. Somaya built alliances with faith leaders, local women’s rights organisations, and community networks. She learned how to use storytelling and digital platforms to widen her reach and deepen her impact.
The YW4A programme gave Somaya more than knowledge—it gave her the stage, the tools, and the support to lead change. Her journey is a reminder of what happens when young women with lived experience are trusted, equipped, and heard.
