THE ORGANIZATION

About Somali Women Awards

Somali Women Awards (SWA) is a recognition initiative dedicated to celebrating the achievements, leadership and contributions of Somali women, wherever they live and work. Now in its fifth edition, SWA recognizes merit across professional fields, public life and community service. Its purpose is to give deserving achievements greater visibility and to encourage future generations through the examples of women making a difference. The 2026 edition, themed “Beyond Borders: Somali Women Shaping the Future,” expands this mission with the SWA 2026 Inaugural Forum, a planned regional leadership dialogue alongside the awards ceremony.

OUR STORY

Five Editions of Recognition

Somali Women Awards enters its fifth edition in 2026, building on four previous editions dedicated to recognizing the contributions and achievements of Somali women. The fifth edition marks an important step forward. It brings defined award categories, a confidential professional referral process, structured merit-based assessment, and a new regional leadership forum. As the initiative continues to develop, its central purpose remains the same: to bring deserving Somali women and their accomplishments into public recognition.

PEOPLE

Leadership

Founder & CEO

Nima Ali Hussein

Nima Ali Hussein leads the vision and institutional direction of Somali Women Awards. She guides the initiative’s continued development and its commitment to recognizing the achievements and contributions of Somali women.

Director of Program

Morash Dirie

Morash Dirie leads program strategy and development for SWA 2026, including the edition’s recognition framework, program structure and major initiatives. His work connects the awards experience with the processes that support credible, meaningful recognition.

Director of Growth

Kowthar Mohamud Bulle (Koko Bulle)

Kowthar Bulle leads audience and exposure development, media visibility, and strategic engagement for the Somali Women Awards. She helps bring the initiative and its stories to wider audiences through digital media, communications, and partnership outreach.