Somaia was born and raised in Dito village in Gereida locality, South Darfur State, Sudan—a community where socio-cultural norms often dictate the lives of young girls. These norms allow parents to marry off girls as young as 10 years old, depriving them of basic rights such as education. At the age of 16, Somaia was married to her 28-year-old cousin, forcing her to drop out of school to focus on her marital obligations.

However, Somaia’s determination to complete her education never wavered. She was deeply inspired by stories related to studying that she heard from her high school friends and longed to return to her studies. Early in her marriage, she began asking for a divorce so she could pursue her education—a request met with strong resistance. For three years, the elders and the village council opposed her decision, warning her, “If we grant you this divorce, it will teach your sisters in the family that divorce is an option.”

At 19, Somaia successfully ended her marriage and set her sights on completing her education. She pursued her studies from secondary school to university and eventually postgraduate studies, relying on scholarships and the support of kind-hearted individuals who helped fund her journey. Without the backing of most of her family members, her path was fraught with challenges, but it was deeply rewarding. Her perseverance was tested by a combination of social barriers and discriminatory state policies that hindered women and girls’ access to education.

This turning point marked the beginning of Somaia’s journey as a human rights defender. Her lived experiences fueled her passion to fight for the rights of girls and women, ensuring they are not forced into the same struggles she faced.

She began her advocacy by championing the rights of marginalised women and girls, focusing on education, ending child marriages, access to information, and promoting women’s participation in politics. In Somaia’s view, a challenging environment like Darfur requires strong advocacy for women’s rights to promote education both as a fundamental right and as a powerful tool for empowerment.

“Completing education for girls is vital because it is the pathway to social, economic, political, and cultural empowerment. Education equips individuals with the tools to participate in diverse spaces, connect issues, understand contexts, and assert their rights.” – Somaia Musa Adam

Somaia is mindful in advocating for the rights of women and girls in a setting where women’s rights are often overlooked or dismissed. In Darfur, she approaches her work with sensitivity, she uses language thoughtfully, framing the importance of educating girls in a way that resonates with the community. Somaia links education to broader, relatable issues such as economic growth, building strong families, successful agriculture, and leading healthy lives, ensuring her advocacy is both impactful and inclusive.

Over the years, Somaia has recognized the power of social media as a tool to advocate for the rights of women and girls, as well as for all Sudanese affected by war and past conflicts. Growing up amid conflict, she has witnessed the devastating impact of war—displacing and ravaging the people of Sudan. She closely follows relevant contexts and creates video content in both Arabic and Zaghawa to ensure her messages reach diverse audiences. Her content is primarily visual, with a strong focus on TikTok, where she has amassed 18,700 followers.

She focuses on interpreting laws such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and International Human Rights Law to help her followers understand how these legal frameworks apply to the human rights violations occurring in Sudan. She breaks down these laws, explaining how they protect individuals and how violations of these rights are happening on the ground. Her efforts also include leading awareness campaigns, such as the recently concluded 16 Days of Activism campaign, advocating for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), girls’ education, and the eradication of child marriages.

“Knowing that my content is shared and discussed by large audiences, even in unexpected places like restaurants, is a humbling reminder of the impact and reach of my efforts.” – Somaia

Somaia dreams of a Sudan where women, girls, and men can live freely and peacefully, with every individual able to fully enjoy their rights. Her vision fuels her unwavering commitment to advocacy and education, as she continues to work towards a future where equality, justice, and dignity are not just aspirations but realities for all Sudanese people.