Meet Maryam Abdullahi, a woman who is redefining local humanitarian leadership in Somalia.

Maryan Abdullahi speaking at a workshop event

Imagine driving down long, bumpy roads where others might turn back, all to make sure a mother gets the help she needs. That is the everyday life of Maryam M. Abdullahi, a remarkable woman who is changing what it means to be a leader in Somalia.

Maryam works as the Lower Shabelle focal point for the New Ways Organization, a local humanitarian group based in Mogadishu. Her unique contribution to her community goes far beyond just handing out supplies. Maryam travels across the vast Lower Shabelle regions, sometimes heading into places that are deemed unsafe, simply because she refuses to let anyone be left behind. Her main goal is making sure that every single woman’s voice is heard, no matter how remote or forgotten her village might feel.

Getting aid into and across any part of the Lower Shabelle region is an immense daily challenge. Unpredictable security concerns, active conflict risks and other logistical barriers make travel deeply perilous for humanitarian workers like Maryan. Compounding these security barriers are severe transportation hurdles: damaged infrastructure, washed-out dirt roads, and a lack of reliable vehicles mean that reaching isolated villages requires navigating treacherous conditions. Many transport routes are frequently blocked or restricted, forcing aid workers to find creative and high-risk ways to deliver vital supplies. Yet, despite these terrifying obstacles and logistical hurdles, Maryam refuses to let the barriers stop her from showing up for her people.

In her role, Maryan is the heartbeat of local operations. She is entirely responsible for all the logistical and humanitarian coordination across Lower Shabelle, making sure aid flows smoothly to the entire Southwest region of Somalia. Whether she is organizing aid distribution, attending local trainings, or lifting women up through leadership programs, Maryam is always on the move.

Communities across the region are deeply grateful for her tireless service. Local residents constantly express their heartfelt thanks for the way she shows up for them against all odds.

A mother in Barawe shares her gratitude:
“Maryam is like a sister to us. When we felt forgotten and had nothing left, she walked right through our doors with a warm smile and the supplies we desperately needed.”

A father in Markos City adds:
“It is hard to believe how much danger she pushes through just to help us. She treats every family here with respect, and we are so thankful for her leadership.”

What truly makes Maryan’s story truly inspiring is the balance she strikes. Alongside her heavy duties on the ground, Maryam is a dedicated mother raising her own children. She manages to nurture her family at home while bringing hope and safety to thousands of families outside. Leaders at New Ways often say she is the most resilient woman they have ever seen.

Abdullahi, the Executive Director of New Ways, shares his deep admiration for her work:
“Maryam possesses a rare kind of courage. She faces every logistical hurdle with a smile and a deep love for her people. We are simply amazed by her dedication to support everyone, no matter how tough the journey gets.”

Another colleague from the New Ways team adds:
“She is a force of nature. To balance being a mother with coordinating life-saving aid across dangerous and vast areas is incredible. Maryam gives her whole heart to this work every single day.”

Despite the heavy challenges, Maryam is wonderfully encouraging, open, and warm. She listens to every person she meets with an open mind and a kind heart. Through her hard work, bravery, and motherly compassion, Maryam M. Abdullahi proves that true heroes walk among us, paving the way for a brighter, safer tomorrow in Somalia.