Maryan Mohamed Hussein, 22, is a social media peace ambassador, spreading the good news about Somalia’s recovery through Facebook and other platforms popular with young Somalis.
The Public Administration graduate of Horseed International University says she developed interest in peace advocacy while still in high school.
At age 18, she founded a youth organization – Hansan, which means ambition – to champion youth issues and create employment.
“My friends and I brainstormed and came up with the idea of setting up a clothes-manufacturing company, as well, to employ young people” Maryan recalls.
But all did not go according to plan. She says, “We approached investors to support our company. We talked to banks and the business community in general. But funding was not forthcoming.”
The setback only added to her determination to create positive change and make a difference in the lives of young people.
When another opportunity presented itself, this time in a six-month vocational training in media, she jumped at it. The training catapulted her work in advocacy and activism.
“Within the first 3 months of the course, I was selected to participate in a youth programme hosted by Radio Dalsan. They were impressed with my oratory skills and hired me to host the youth show,” Maryan, who is known to her family and friends as “Ruun” says.
The youth programme which she hosted between 2012 and 2014 elevated her role in activism, because it enabled her to use the platform to promote peace ideals among the youth, interrogate challenges facing her community and women; and hurdles impeding their participation in decision-making, especially in politics.
Maryan says she wants to be remembered for her contribution to the change taking place in Somalia.
“Mostly, I take photos and videos from important places in Mogadishu like Liido beach, Jazeera beach and the peace garden among other notable places, and use the images in the media to demonstrate real change, relative peace and stabilization efforts in the country,” she remarks.
“What I share on social media triggers positive conversations about the country. My aim is to influence the youth who are eyeing Europe and want to migrate using the risky high seas and dangerous deserts. I encourage them by telling them that their country is recovering and will soon have abundant opportunities for them,” she adds. “I urge them to exercise a little more patience, as the peace is returning and things are looking up.”
Born in Wanlaweyn district, lower Shabelle region, in South West State of Somalia during the war, Maryan knows too well the consequences of instability and uses every opportunity to preach peace.
“Somalia, being a country that is recovering from insecurity, we need to unite and consolidate our efforts towards peace building. We need to remind ourselves that peace building starts with an individual. So, I urge my fellow citizens to each take the crucial steps in promoting peace,” she states, matter-of-factly.
Her efforts at peacebuilding have paid off. As a result of her activism, many youths are empowered and continue to benefit from her leadership. Maryan also takes pride in pioneering the construction of the first FM radio station in her home district of Wanlaweyn.
The radio station, which serves Wanlaweyn and surrounding areas, was built in 2016 with support from Mr. Hassan Lucky, a director with Radio Dalsan.
She urges the youth in Somalia to use social media to make positive change, promote peace and progress.
“I appeal to the Federal Government of Somalia, the international partners and the Somali business community to invest in youth empowerment by providing them with critical life skills and employment. By doing so, the youth will be able to provide for themselves, their families and stay away from criminal activities,” she concludes.
