Somalilandsun: Khadija Farah, a Mogadishu-native, has scooped top honours at this year’s Bond International Development Awards.
Bond is the leading UK body for organisations working in international development. The 450 members range from large organisations such as Oxfam, World Vision and UNICEF UK, to a wide selection of smaller local charities including Tools for Self-reliance and Medical Aid Films.
Khadija, 51 (currently based in Baidoa serving refugees and IDPs), was shortlisted for her tireless work with International Medical Corps UK, operating in one of the most difficult humanitarian contexts in the world. She has been awarded the Bond Humanitarian Award 2020.
Due to COVID19 and travel restrictions, the annual award ceremony in London was cancelled this year, so Khadija will receive her prestigious winner trophy by post. She was notified of her win by Mustafa Mohamed Gulled, Field Site Manager, International Medical Corps Somalia.
She says: “I am extremely honoured to have won the Bond Humanitarian Award 2020. It means so much to me having worked in the humanitarian sector for the past 27 years. I owe this award to the women, girls and children in my community and I will continue to advocate for their health needs. I want to see maternal and child mortality rates reduced in Somalia and I hope that this award will inspire women and girls—especially those from marginalized and vulnerable communities—to fervently pursue their dreams and make a positive change in the world.”
Also read Somalian Humanitarian Khadija Farah Route to Prestigious Bond International Development Awards 2020
Mike Wright, Director of Membership, Communications and Training at Bond, says: “Each year we are delighted and humbled by the winner in this category. It is a great reflection of the hard work that goes on, often behind the scenes, by so many dedicated Humanitarians like Khadija. It is a genuine pleasure to be honoring them and their fellow volunteers by shining a light on the inspirational people doing incredible work in development.”
The award judging panel added: “The finalists for this award showcase the best of humanity and those that are tirelessly working to help in difficult settings. Khadija Farah has won for her compelling story and dedication to working on the front line for 27 years. She has endured being in humanitarian contexts and her personal sacrifice is inspirational. It is so well deserved!”
Khadija began her career in 1991 as a nurse with International Medical Corps, helping people wounded in the civil war. Over the course of her long career, Khadija has served those in need across Banadir, the Bay regions, Bakool, Gedo, Galgaduud, Middle and Lower Shabelle, Mudug and Middle Juba.
Khadija’s work in maternal health has helped to increase the number of safe deliveries and successfully reduced the number of women dying in childbirth.
Now in its seventh year, the awards celebrate the exceptional work undertaken in the development sector that often goes unrecognised. The Humanitarian Award specifically honors the hidden heroes helping to deliver this demanding work in creative, unusual and exceptional ways.
Full details on all winners can be found here: https://www.bond.org.uk/awards
-ENDS-
1. Bond’s International Development Awards showcase the life-changing achievements and devoted people in global development and humanitarian assistance.
- Full details are available at https://www.bond.org.uk/awards
- The Bond Awards are sponsored by Key Travel
- Bond is the leading UK membership body for organisations working in international development. The 450 members range from large organisations such as Oxfam, World Vision and Unicef, to a wide selection of smaller local charities including Tools for Self-reliance and Medical Aid Films
