The German Africa Foundation has confirmed that a female Somali-Canadian activist is the newest recipient of the German Africa Peace Prize in 2020.
Ilwad Elman, a 30-year old Somali-Canadian, is considered one of the most powerful voices agitating for peace and respect for human rights in Somalia.
She is already following the footsteps of her father, Elman Ali Ahmed, who was assassinated in the 1990s.
Together with her mother, Farttun Adan, Ilwad built a non-profit organization known as Elman Peace Center in the last 10 years.
The organization has employed 172 workers. It also has eight regional branches around the country.
During an interview with DW, Ilwad accepted the award and spoke of her delight in getting the recognition.
She returned from Canada in 2010. Since then, she has been busy building an organization that is determined to raise awareness on several issues.
Some of these issues include violence against women and girls and child marriages.