UNFPA Somalia Partners with TRACE to Raise Awareness for Women and Girls Affected by Humanitarian Crises

Kigali, Rwanda – The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Somalia Country Office has adopted an innovative approach to raise awareness and funds for the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Somalia, with a particular focus on the needs of Somali women and girls. This effort is realized through partnering with TRACE,  as the CSR partner for the prestigious TRACE Awards and Festival scheduled to be held in Kigali, Rwanda from October 20 to 22, 2023.

Through this unique collaboration, UNFPA Somalia and TRACE are poised to reach a diverse and extensive audience. They aim to harness the power of music and media to shed light on the ongoing climate crisis in Somalia and the pressing need for action, as well as to highlight the dire situation of Somali women and girls, with the ultimate goal of garnering support and generating funds to provide vital aid and support to those affected by the crisis.

Somalia has been grappling with a prolonged humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by the impact of the climate crisis. This has resulted in widespread displacement, poverty, and vulnerability, particularly among women and girls. The crisis has led to an increase in gender-based violence, child marriage, and female genital mutilation, further threatening the well-being and empowerment of women and girls.

Just before the televised TRACE Awards ceremony, a brief video showcasing the situation in Somalia will be broadcast to a global audience. The video will also be shared across the social media platforms of both UNFPA and TRACE, using the hashtag #HopeForSomalia. This innovative approach to fundraising and awareness-raising is expected to significantly increase the visibility of the crisis and inspire people to take action.

"We are thrilled about this collaboration with TRACE," expressed Niyi Ojuolape, the country representative of UNFPA Somalia, "It offers an extraordinary and unparalleled opportunity to engage with a wide audience, typically beyond the reach of traditional development and humanitarian efforts, and to raise awareness about the dire consequences of the drought and climate crisis faced by Somali women and girls. It is crucial that we persist in mobilizing resources to support them during these challenging times”. 

Olivier Laouchez, President of TRACE, also expressed his support for the partnership, stating, "We are proud to collaborate with UNFPA Somalia on this critical initiative. The power of culture is unparalleled in raising awareness for those affected by humanitarian crises. Together, we can make a real difference and bring attention to this urgent issue. Our partnership aims to inspire more action and more support, not only for the people of Somalia but for all the people in Africa who need assistance."

In celebration of its 20th anniversary, the global music powerhouse and Afro-music tastemaker, TRACE, is set to host the Trace Awards at the BK Arena in Kigali celebrating the creativity, talent, and influence of African and Afro-inspired music and artists. Targeted at lovers of African and Afro-inspired music and culture, the Trace Awards will be broadcast live on October 21, 2023, on Trace TV channels, radio, and digital platforms, as well as on global streaming platforms, national terrestrial TV, and satellite channels. It is expected to reach over 500 million fans in 190 countries. Additionally, the 3-day Trace Festival will put a spotlight on Rwanda's flourishing creative industries, home-grown talent, and music culture at the Kigali Convention & Exhibition Village from October 20 to 22, 2023.

The UNFPA Somalia and TRACE partnership underscores the importance of strategic collaboration to address critical issues and highlight the significant role of music and media in fostering social change.