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How young activists in Garissa are using art for advocacy

Umulkheir Ahmed uses art as an advocacy strategy in amplifying the voices of the minority in a marginalised community. (Photo: Abdimalik Hajir)

By Abdimalik Hajir | 13 Dec 2023

Their efforts were recognised by Supkem who were implementing a USAID-supported project on peace and voter education.

Umulkheir Ahmed and Kowsar Ahmed met at a community dialogue forum and after a brief chat, they found out that they both had a similar passion... a love for art.

While Kowsar had studied art as a subject in high school, Umi as her peers fondly call her, developed a passion for it in secondary school.

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As they would find out, they did not stop practising it after secondary school.

Initially, they would come together during their free time and do art just for fun and post them on social media.

Their efforts were recognised by the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslim (Supkem) who were then implementing a USAID-supported project on peace and mostly civic and voter education.

Umulkheir Ahmed uses art as an advocacy strategy in amplifying the voices of the minority in a marginalised community. (Photo: Abdimalik Hajir)

“UNICEF came on board and documented our work while also different other organizations invited us to do arts on issues they are advocating for,” added Kowsar.

They have so far worked with Haki Na Sheria on digital rights, Silver Lining on Child protection specifically ending Female Genital Mutilation as well as Art for Therapy, this was a sip-and-paint activity on mental health.

Business enterprise

The duo whose passion for art is now a business enterprise, told the Eastleigh Voice that they sell art pieces on canvases, and tote bags and also do printing, something they said communities are now embracing.

Umulkheir Ahmed uses art as an advocacy strategy in amplifying the voices of the minority in a marginalised community. (Photo: Abdimalik Hajir)

Kowsar said theirs is now to focus more on various issues through a community-based organisation known as the Wadhajir Initiative for Development.

Through the organization, the artist said their strategy is to use art as an advocacy strategy in amplifying the voices of the minority in a marginalised community.

“We both have an undying passion for art. Through our organisation, we have mapped out other artists in the region who include, spoken word artists, theatre groups and graffiti artists. Now through the artists we use different forms of art in advocating matters,” said Umulkheir.

Umulkheir Ahmed and Kowsar Ahmed have a working space which they call a workshop located in Waberi Ward, Garissa township. (Photo: Abdimalik Hajir)

Their focuses, they said are now peace and security, climate change, governance, child protection, human rights, digital rights and mental health.

They now have a working space which they call a workshop located in Waberi Ward, Garissa township.