Building Stronger Voices Together: Pioneers OPD Peer Exchange Across Somalia and Somaliland

Introduction

From 22-23 July 2026, the two-day OPD Peer Exchange Workshop was held in Mogadishu and convened 16 representatives from seven OPDs and two local organizations with expertise in disability inclusion. This was the first-ever national level OPD Peer Exchange, bringing together organizations from Somalia and Somaliland to share experiences, strengthen relationships, and explore opportunities for collective action. The workshop provided a dedicated space for peer learning, dialogue and collaboration, enabling participants to reflect on common challenges, identify solutions and build a shared vision for disability inclusion.

Workshop Overview

The two-day OPD Peer Exchange Workshop aimed to strengthen collaboration, networking and collective advocacy among OPDs in Somalia and Somaliland, with a focus on enhancing their meaningful participation in humanitarian coordination and response mechanisms. It provided a platform for OPDs to connect, exchange experiences, identify common priorities, and explore opportunities for joint advocacy to advance disability inclusion.

One of the most important lessons emerging from the exchange was the value of peer-to-peer learning. Participants shared practical experiences from their own organizations and challenges faced in their daily work. OPDs across Somalia and Somaliland often face similar barriers. By learning from one another’s successes and setbacks, organizations gained new perspectives and practical ideas that can strengthen their own work.

The peer exchange also created an opportunity to cascade knowledge gained through previous LNOB-supported regional and global workshops in Uganda and Cameroon. Participants who attended these events shared key lessons with fellow OPDs, ensuring that valuable experiences extended beyond individual organizations. Contributions from disability organizations in South Sudan and Uganda further enriched discussions, highlighting common challenges and opportunities across the region and reinforcing the importance of solidarity among disability movements.

The workshop also introduced participants to broader coordination and advocacy opportunities. Engagement with the Disability Reference Group (DRG) encouraged stronger participation in humanitarian coordination mechanisms, while discussions with the African Disability Forum (ADF) highlighted pathways for linking local disability advocacy with regional and continental platforms. These connections can help OPDs access new learning opportunities, partnerships and advocacy spaces beyond their immediate contexts.

At the same time, participants openly discussed the challenges of collaboration. Differences in geography, organizational capacity, resources and operating environments can make sustained cooperation difficult. OPDs also emphasized the need for inclusive approaches that ensure smaller organizations and OPDs representing different disability groups are equally represented and heard. A key lesson learned was that collaboration is a process rather than an event. While partnerships cannot be built overnight, this exchange provides an important starting point by creating relationships, fostering mutual understanding, and identifying areas of common interest. Building trust through regular engagement is essential for transforming dialogue into collective action.

At the end of the workshop, participating OPDs developed draft action plans to guide continued collaboration beyond the workshop. Priority areas include strengthening communication channels, sharing information and opportunities, mapping organizational expertise, pursuing joint advocacy on common issues and exploring future coalition or consortium approaches.

Workshop Results

“We all represent the rights of persons with disabilities across Somalia and Somaliland, and we face many common challenges and opportunities. I see it as vital that we maintain strong relationships among our OPDs; this is the only way we can achieve more and strengthen our collective voice.”

Mowlid Mohamed, Executive Director at Somaliland Blind Organization (SOBO)

“This workshop goes beyond discussion. It provides a strategic space for us to share our experiences, learn from one another, and build a stronger coalition. It reflects the principle of ‘Nothing About Us Without Us.’ If we want to achieve meaningful inclusion, we must work closely with and support persons with disabilities to ensure their meaningful participation in decision-making.”

Abikar Hussein, Program Coordinator at Disability Aid Foundation (DAF)

Text by: Mohamed Khalif- IHA Intern