From the Borderlands to the President's Office: Shimsia Abdullahi Hassan’s Journey of Peace and Resilience

In a defining moment that bridged the peripheral realities of the borderlands with the highest office in the land, Shimsia Abdullahi Hassan has entered the State House to meet with President William Ruto. Captured in a group photograph and personally signed certificate which have since become a symbol of pride for her community in both Ethiopia and Kenya, this moment was more than a ceremonial gesture—it was the official validation of Shimsia as a Kenyan Hero by the president of the country. She sat with GIZ SIMPI project staff to discuss her journey in Amharic-the official language of Ethiopia. 

Shimsia’s recognition is not an overnight success story; it is the culmination of years of tireless advocacy, mediation, and economic empowerment in Moyale, a town where the harsh socio-economic reality is often mirrored by the harsh consequences faced by its women. While her resilience is innate, her path to national recognition was significantly paved through her strategic engagement with regional frameworks provided by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).

IGAD’s Moyale Cross-Border Office
For Shimsia, the IGAD Cross-Border Development Facilitation Office in Moyale became more than just a building; it became a sanctuary and a strategy room. In a region where government services can be stretched thin, this office serves as a critical node for resources, training, and coordination on issues that connect the communities across the border.

It was through the platforms supported by this office that Shimsia found the backing to amplify her voice. As a member of the Cross-Border Peace Committee, she transitioned from a local community member to a key negotiator. The office provided the logistical support and neutral ground necessary for her to mediate clan tensions and foster social cohesion between communities on both sides of the Kenya-Ethiopia border. 

Breaking the Silence
Shimsia’s heroism is perhaps most evident in her battle against the deeply entrenched struggles of women in Moyale. In these border communities, women often bear the brunt of cultural conservatism and conflict. Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is a silent epidemic, frequently hushed by traditional dispute resolution mechanisms that favor men. Furthermore, the practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) remains a persistent shadow, robbing young girls of their health and future.

Shimsia has been a fearless advocate in this space, using her position within the IGAD-supported networks to challenge these norms. She has used the leverage of the peace committee to argue that true community peace is impossible while women are at war with violence in their own homes. By bringing these taboo subjects into the formal dialogues hosted at the IGAD office, she has helped shift the narrative from "private cultural matters" to "public human rights violations." 

Empowering Women at the Border
Understanding that economic independence is the strongest shield against abuse, Shimsia is also a founding member of the Informal Cross-Border Women Traders Support Group. For years, women trading across the porous Moyale border faced harassment, confiscation of goods, and sexual extortion.

Under Shimsia’s leadership, and with the technical support of GIZ, these women have organized into a formidable economic bloc. She championed the narrative that these traders are not just survivors, but vital contributors to the cross-border economy. Today, they have better knowledge of trade regimes and a collective voice to demand safer working conditions.

A Legacy Recognized
The image of Shimsia with President Ruto tells a powerful story: the work done in the remote borderlands of Moyale matters to the center. Her recognition as a hero is a testament to the power of partnership. By leveraging the physical presence of the IGAD office and the programmatic support of GIZ, Shimsia Abdullahi Hassan transformed local challenges into national victories. She has proven that even in the face of FGM, GBV, and marginalization, a determined woman—backed by the right support—can pave the way for an entire community.