HURDO Somalia held a two-day refresher training for Community Protection Committees (CPCs) in Hodan District with support from BMZ through our partner action medeor e.V.

The training brought together community elders, women and youth leaders, religious figures, and IDP camp chairpersons. It helped them review how to prevent gender-based violence (GBV) and protect vulnerable people. Participants learned simple, practical ways to find, refer, and respond to protection issues in their communities.

They discussed real cases, mapped local help channels, and practiced how to act safely during incidents of violence. The sessions stressed teamwork, confidentiality, and shared responsibility, showing how committees, service providers, and local officials can work side by side.

By the end, participants felt more confident to serve as first responders and advocates for women, girls, and children.

“Protection starts within the community. When people know their rights, they can protect each other,” said one participant.

This training is part of HURDO’s Strong Together project funded by BMZ through action medeor. The project helps communities in Hodan, Banadir Region, build resilience, include women in leadership, and strengthen local safety systems. When communities gain knowledge and tools, they become the strongest protectors of their own safety and dignity.