WAAPO - Women's Action for Advocacy Progress Organization

Founded in June 1997, Women Action for Advocacy and Progress (WAAPO) is a Somaliland-based non-governmental organization. WAAPO’s mission is to protect and support women, youth, and children by providing practical and emotional support, protection, economic empowerment, and education, as well as advocating for long-term positive changes in their lives. WAAPO actively specializes in protection, livelihoods, business development, youth innovation, education, shelters, and emergency response. We operate in all regions of Somaliland, with offices in three regions overseen by nearly 68 project staff members. WAAPO also runs the only safe house in Somaliland, a youth center, and nine child protection desks. WAAPO programs are currently funded by UNICEF, UNHCR, UNFPA, UNTF (SIHA), Marta-Finland, GIZ, the British Embassy, and TGG/Option. At the coordination level, WAAPO works closely with Somaliland’s line ministries, such as MESAF, MoP, Education, NADFOR, and NDRA.