monthly meeting of the Midnimo SHG in Galgal Weyn IDP Camp-Baidoa.
A 27-year-old mother of eight children living in Galgalweyn IDP Camp since 2018, Bisharo faced the same challenges as many displaced women in the camp, including limited livelihood opportunities, financial insecurity, and the daily struggle of providing for a large family. Like most households in the camp, her family largely depended on irregular casual labor, making it difficult to save money or respond to emergencies.
Originally from Tiyeeglow in the Bakol region, she was a farmer and livestock keeper, which they used to sustain their household. Due to prolonged drought in 2018, she moved to Galgalweyn IDP site in Tiyeglow. Her family escaped from their village because of the drought.
Bisharo’s life began to change when GREDO, through the URBANISE Project, introduced the Self-Help Group (SHG) approach in Galgalweyn Camp. After participating in training on SHG methodology, leadership, record keeping, and financial management, she was elected by community members to serve as the Chairperson of Midnimo Self-Help Group, one of the first two SHGs established in the camp. In this role, she took responsibility for guiding group activities, facilitating meetings, ensuring transparency in financial management, and supporting members to achieve their shared goals.
Bisharo Barre Hassan, Midnimo SHG chairperson chairing monthly group meeting
Under her leadership, the 20-member group developed a strong culture of saving, accountability, and mutual support. Members met regularly to contribute savings, manage social funds, take and repay loans, and discuss group progress. Through adherence to agreed bylaws and disciplined financial management, the group steadily built trust and financial resources. The SHG also promoted solidarity among members through social funds and collective support during times of hardship and emergencies.
After eight months of consistent savings and effective management, Midnimo SHG achieved a major milestone by qualifying for a USD 6,420.10 business grant . This achievement recognized the group’s commitment, strong governance, and successful business planning efforts. The grant strengthened the group’s revolving fund and enabled members to access larger loans to invest in income-generating activities and small businesses.
monthly meeting of the Midnimo SHG in Galgal Weyn IDP Camp-Baidoa
As a result, many group members established or expanded businesses such as petty trade and other small enterprises, creating more reliable sources of income for their households. Increased earnings have helped families meet essential needs, including food, healthcare, children’s education, and other household expenses.
Members are now less dependent on unreliable casual labor and better equipped to cope with economic shocks and unforeseen emergencies. Beyond the economic benefits, the group has strengthened social cohesion, confidence, and community ownership among its members.
For Bisharo personally, serving as Chairperson has been transformative. She has gained leadership, financial management, and conflict-resolution skills, while becoming more confident in public speaking and community engagement. Today, she is a respected leader and role model for other women in the camp, demonstrating how displaced women can take active leadership roles in improving their families’ livelihoods and driving positive change in their communities. The success of Midnimo SHG illustrates the power of collective savings, local leadership, and community-led development in building resilience and creating sustainable pathways toward self-reliance.
Bisharo Barre, running her small businees in Galgal weyn IDP site Baidoa
Strong Quotes
“Before joining Midnimo SHG, I never imagined that I would one day lead a group of women and help guide financial decisions that improve our lives. Today, I am proud to serve my community and support members in building a better future.” said Bisharo Barre Hassan
“The SHG taught us that small savings can create big opportunities. What started as regular contributions has grown into businesses, income, and hope for our families.”
“Receiving the business grant was a turning point for our group. It proved that through discipline, teamwork, and commitment, displaced communities can create their own path toward self-reliance.”
“Today, our members are no longer relying only on casual labor. Many are running businesses, earning income, and supporting their children’s education and wellbeing with dignity.”
“Midnimo means unity, and our success comes from standing together. When one member faces challenges, the group provides support, encouragement, and solutions.”
“The greatest achievement is not only the money we have saved, but the confidence, leadership, and resilience we have built as women and as a community.”
– Bisharo Barre Hassan
The URBANISE Program is a resilience-building initiative funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark under BRCiS Consortium and implemented by GREDO in Baidoa. The program empowers vulnerable urban communities, particularly women, youth, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and other marginalized groups, by strengthening livelihoods, promoting self-reliance, and fostering social inclusion.