Since 2021, Somali Family Services (SFS), with support from the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), has implemented a multi-year Democratic Governance and Radio Sahan programme valued at approximately USD 745,672. The partnership builds on a nine-year relationship between SFS and NED focused on strengthening democratic participation, civic engagement and community voice in Somalia.
Through Radio Sahan and SFS’s wider civic-engagement platforms, the programme expands public access to reliable civic information and creates opportunities for citizens—particularly women, youth and marginalized communities—to participate in governance discussions. Radio programmes, community dialogues and awareness initiatives address governance, accountability, human rights, women’s leadership, youth participation, peacebuilding and other issues affecting Somali communities.
The programme helps connect citizens, civil society organizations and public institutions by:
- Providing civic education and accessible public-interest information.
- Amplifying the voices and priorities of women, youth and underserved communities.
- Promoting constructive dialogue between citizens and decision-makers.
- Increasing public awareness of democratic rights and responsibilities.
- Supporting accountability, transparency and responsive governance.
- Encouraging peaceful participation and social cohesion.
By combining community radio with physical dialogue and learning spaces, SFS sustains civic participation beyond individual events and reaches people who may otherwise be excluded from public decision-making. The initiative demonstrates SFS’s commitment to strengthening informed citizens, accountable institutions and inclusive democratic governance across Somalia.
Project at a glance:
Partner: National Endowment for Democracy (NED)
Implementing organization: Somali Family Services (SFS)
Programme: Democratic Governance and Radio Sahan
Implementation: Multi-year programme since 2021
Portfolio value: Approximately USD 745,672
Primary focus: Democratic governance, civic education, public dialogue and inclusive civic participation
