Somali Activist Ifrah Ahmed Awarded Honorary Doctorate by Ireland’s Top University

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: The Federal Government of Somalia has hailed the international recognition awarded to prominent Somali activist Dr. Ifrah Ahmed, describing it as a milestone that reflects Somalia’s growing global footprint in human-rights advocacy.

Dr. Ahmed received an Honorary Doctorate in Law from Trinity College Dublin, Ireland’s top-ranked university, in acknowledgement of her long-standing work campaigning for the protection of women and girls.

The honor highlights her global influence on policy reforms, public awareness, and survivor support programmes.

Somalia’s government said Dr. Ahmed’s recognition comes at a time when the country is intensifying national efforts to strengthen legal protections for women and to combat gender-based violence. Officials noted that her international visibility reinforces Somalia’s own reform agenda and sends a message of progress to partners and diaspora communities.

Dr. Ahmed, who fled conflict as a teenager before emerging as one of the most prominent Somali voices on women’s rights, has worked across humanitarian, legislative and community sectors. Her advocacy has contributed to policy conversations in Somalia and abroad, helping to shift public attitudes and mobilize institutions to protect vulnerable groups.

The award is seen as a national victory, symbolising resilience, talent and global leadership rooted in Somalia. It also serves as an inspiration for young Somalis, especially women, who continue to break barriers in education, activism and professional fields.

The Federal Government congratulated Dr. Ifrah Ahmed on what it described as a “historic and well-deserved distinction” that elevates both her personal legacy and Somalia’s international standing.