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