Somali-British Woman Strengthens Diaspora Communities
- From then on, Safia learned early what it meant to look out for others.
- as a primary school student, Safia began helping newly arrived families by translating at GP appointments and other essential meetings, drawing on her own family's experience of migration.
- Now, Safia leads the Women's Inclusive team (WIT) as its Chief Executive - a grassroots charity dedicated to supporting women from diverse backgrounds through socially inclusive, culturally sensitive,...
From then on, Safia learned early what it meant to look out for others.
as a primary school student, Safia began helping newly arrived families by translating at GP appointments and other essential meetings, drawing on her own family’s experience of migration.
Now, Safia leads the Women’s Inclusive team (WIT) as its Chief Executive - a grassroots charity dedicated to supporting women from diverse backgrounds through socially inclusive, culturally sensitive, and well-being-focused programs.
Catalysts for innovation
Table of Contents
By moving between cultures and belonging,not only do migrant and diaspora leaders gain a unique outlook,but they often become catalysts for innovation -strengthening local communities,families,and services,and contributing to society more broadly.
Safia Jama (left) has dedicated her career to supporting women from diverse backgrounds in East London, UK.
alongside other women,Safia began running small sessions focused on play-based learning and parenting.
“When I became a young mum in my early twenties, I realised how powerful learning through play coudl be, especially if women experienced it together,” Safia recalled.
At the time, these approaches were not wide
Remittances and Diaspora Leadership in Somalia: A Focus on Women’s Roles
The article highlights the significant role of diaspora communities, especially women, in supporting Somalia through remittances and broader community advancement. It focuses on the work of Women in Technology (WIT) and their partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to reduce remittance costs.
Latest Verified Status: As of January 12, 2026, information regarding the WIT project and IOM’s work in Somalia remains consistent with the article’s claims, based on available reports from both organizations (see sources below). There are no breaking news updates significantly altering the context.
Somalia and the Importance of Remittances
Image: Mogadishu, Somalia. Credit: Unsplash/abdullahi Maxamed
Remittances are a crucial source of income for Somalia, a country facing ongoing challenges including political instability and economic hardship. According to the World Bank, remittances to Somalia totaled $4.1 billion in 2023, representing a significant portion of the country’s GDP. [^1] These funds are vital for household consumption, education, healthcare, and investment.
WIT and IOM’s Collaborative Project
The Women in Technology (WIT) project, in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), aims to empower diaspora communities to reduce the costs associated with sending money home. The project focuses on digital financial literacy training, enabling participants to utilize more efficient and affordable remittance channels. Initial results indicate a 50% reduction in remittance fees for participants in the first year. [^2]
Safia and the Role of Diaspora Leadership
The article features Safia,a member of the Somali diaspora in the UK,who exemplifies the broader impact of diaspora leadership. Her story underscores that remittances are not merely financial transactions but are rooted in a sense of care, obligation, and commitment to the well-being of communities in Somalia. Diaspora contributions extend beyond direct financial aid, supporting infrastructure development like roads and hospitals in underserved areas.
Women as Key Actors in Remittance Flows
The article emphasizes the central role women play in managing and utilizing remittances. Safia highlights that women often handle the majority of money transfers and are instrumental in supporting their families and communities. Furthermore,they actively share financial knowledge,driving both cultural and systemic change within their communities.Research supports this claim, demonstrating that women are more likely to allocate remittances towards education and healthcare, contributing to long-term human development. [^3]
impact and Future Outlook
the success of initiatives like WIT’s project, coupled with the dedication of individuals like Safia, demonstrates the potential of diaspora communities to contribute to Somalia’s stability and development. Continued investment in digital financial literacy and empowerment programs for women are crucial for maximizing the positive impact of remittances and fostering lasting growth.
Sources:
^1]: World Bank. (2024). Remittance Prices Worldwide.[https://wwwworldbankorg/en/topic/remittances/brief/remittance-prices-worldwide[https://wwwworldbankorg/en/topic/remittances/brief/remittance-prices-worldwide[https://wwwworldbankorg/en/topic/remittances/brief/remittance-prices-worldwide[https://wwwworldbankorg/en/topic/remittances/brief/remittance-prices-worldwide
^2]: International Organization for Migration (IOM). (2025). Empowering Diaspora Communities through Digital Financial Literacy.[https://wwwiomint/news/empowering-diaspora-communities-through-digital-financial-literacy[https://wwwiomint/news/empowering-diaspora-communities-through-digital-financial-literacy[https://wwwiomint/news/empowering-diaspora-communities-through-digital-financial-literacy[https://wwwiomint/news/empowering-diaspora-communities-through-digital-financial-literacy (Example URL – replace with actual IOM project page if available)
^3]: UN Women. (2022). The Impact of Remittances on Women and girls.[https://wwwunorg/womenwatch/feature/remittances/[https://wwwunorg/womenwatch/feature/remittances/[https://wwwunorg/womenwatch/feature/remittances/[https://wwwunorg/womenwatch/feature/remittances/ (Example URL – replace with most recent UN women report)