Somalia · National Membership Organization

Every stature stands equal in Somali society.

SSSSO — the Short Stature of Somali Society Organization — is the national voice of people with short stature in Somalia, advocating for dignity, inclusion, and full participation in every part of community life.

Why we exist

Many people with short stature in Somalia face discrimination, stigma, limited access to education and healthcare, unemployment, inaccessible services, bullying, and social exclusion. SSSSO works to remove these barriers through advocacy, awareness, capacity building, and strategic partnerships — so that stature never determines opportunity.

About SSSSO

A national platform built by and for people with short stature.

Established as a non-profit, non-governmental, membership-based organization, SSSSO brings together individuals with short stature, their families, caregivers, professionals, and supporters to create a strong national platform for advocacy and mutual support.

SSSSO was founded in response to the persistent social, economic, educational, and health challenges experienced by people with short stature in Somalia — from limited access to quality education and healthcare to unemployment, inaccessible public services, and social exclusion.

We work to eliminate these barriers through evidence-based advocacy, public awareness, capacity development, and strategic partnerships — collaborating with government institutions, Disabled Persons' Organizations, civil society, healthcare providers, educational institutions, media, and local communities.

10 Strategic objectives guiding our national advocacy
8 Priority programme areas across health, education & livelihoods
1 Collective national voice for people with short stature
Vision & Mission

What we're working toward, and how we get there.

Vision

A just and inclusive society

A society where people with short stature enjoy equal rights, dignity, opportunities, and full participation in every aspect of social, economic, political, and cultural life — without discrimination.

Mission

Advocacy, empowerment, welfare

To promote and protect the rights, inclusion, empowerment, and welfare of people with short stature through advocacy, awareness raising, education, research, capacity building, policy engagement, strategic partnerships, and sustainable development.

Core Values

Ten principles, one common ground.

Every value we hold rises from the same baseline — respect for every person, regardless of stature.

Human Dignity
Equality & Non-Discrimination
Inclusion
Respect for Diversity
Integrity
Accountability
Transparency
Participation
Collaboration
Empowerment
// different heights, same baseline
Strategic Objectives

Ten commitments shaping our national agenda.

01

Promote equality, human rights, and social inclusion for people with short stature.

02

Increase public awareness to eliminate stereotypes, stigma, discrimination, and bullying.

03

Improve access to quality healthcare, rehabilitation, and psychosocial support services.

04

Advocate for inclusive and accessible education for children and youth with short stature.

05

Promote equal employment opportunities, entrepreneurship, and economic empowerment.

06

Strengthen disability-inclusive legislation, policies, and institutional implementation.

07

Build leadership, advocacy, and organizational capacity among members.

08

Promote research, documentation, and evidence generation on issues affecting people with short stature.

09

Strengthen partnerships with national, regional, and international stakeholders.

10

Promote gender equality, youth leadership, and community participation.

Priority Programme Areas

Eight areas where our work happens on the ground.

01

Human Rights & Advocacy

  • Disability rights promotion
  • Legal awareness & legal aid
  • Policy advocacy
  • Leadership development
02

Inclusive Education

  • School enrollment support
  • Scholarship opportunities
  • Teacher training
  • Educational mentoring
03

Health & Rehabilitation

  • Medical referral services
  • Orthopedic & physiotherapy support
  • Mental health & psychosocial care
  • Preventive health education
04

Economic Empowerment

  • Vocational skills development
  • Entrepreneurship promotion
  • Financial literacy
  • Employment placement
05

Social Inclusion

  • Community awareness campaigns
  • Media engagement
  • Sports & recreation
  • Cultural participation
06

Women & Youth Empowerment

  • Women's leadership programmes
  • Youth mentorship
  • Gender equality promotion
  • Youth participation in governance
07

Research & Knowledge

  • Disability mapping
  • National database development
  • Needs assessments
  • Publications & advocacy briefs
08

Institutional Development

  • Membership recruitment
  • Governance strengthening
  • Resource mobilization
  • Monitoring & learning
Who We Serve

Target beneficiaries across Somali society.

Children with short stature Adolescents & youth Adults with short stature Women & girls Families & caregivers Schools Healthcare providers Government institutions Community leaders Communities across Somalia
Expected Outcomes

The change our work is built to deliver.

Increased public understanding of short stature and disability inclusion.

Reduced discrimination, stigma, and social exclusion.

Improved access to inclusive education, healthcare, and rehabilitation.

Increased employment, entrepreneurship, and livelihood opportunities.

Stronger disability-inclusive laws, policies, and institutional practices.

Greater representation in leadership and decision-making.

Enhanced organizational capacity, sustainability, and recognition.

Strong partnerships that improve advocacy and resource mobilization.

Get Involved

Stand with us. Join the national community.

Whether you are a person with short stature, a family member, a professional, or a supporter — your membership strengthens our collective voice and helps us reach more communities across Somalia.

Contact
  • Mogadishu, Somalia
  • info@ssss.org
  • +252 61 000 0000
  • Monday – Friday, 9:00 – 17:00