Qud and Adeg Association (Tawakal, Muruqmaal, and Dhablayaasha)

Organizational Profile

Basic Information

Organization Name: Women Market Workers Association (Quud iyo Adeeg))
Type of Organization: Community-Based Organization (CBO) / Non-Profit Association
Year Established: 2021
Headquarters: Hargeisa, Somaliland
Operational Area: Urban and rural markets across Somaliland
Legal Status: Community-based association of women market traders (registered/pending registration)

Background

The Women Market Workers Association (QUUD IYO ADDEEG) is a community-based organization formed by women engaged in various small-scale market activities including the sale of gold, vegetables, milk, and prepared food/meals.

In many Somaliland markets, women play a crucial role in sustaining household incomes and contributing to the local economy. However, these women often face challenges such as:

Limited access to finance
Lack of formal market representation
Poor working conditions
Limited business training and skills
Inadequate market infrastructure

The association was established to create a unified platform for women market workers to support each other, strengthen their businesses, and advocate for improved working conditions and economic opportunities.

Vision

A thriving and empowered community of women market workers who contribute significantly to economic development and enjoy dignity, financial independence, and equal opportunities.

Mission

To empower women market traders through capacity building, economic support, advocacy, and collective action, enabling them to improve their livelihoods and strengthen their role in local economic development.

Core Values

The association operates based on the following values:

Women empowerment
Cooperation and solidarity
Integrity and transparency
Equality and fairness
Community development
Respect and dignity

Objectives

The main objectives of the association are:

To unite women working in markets and strengthen cooperation among them.
To improve the economic conditions and livelihoods of women traders.
To provide business training and financial literacy programs.
To advocate for better market facilities and working conditions.
To support women in accessing microfinance and savings programs.
To promote women’s participation in local economic decision-making.
To encourage safe and hygienic food and market practices.

Key Program Areas

1. Economic Empowerment

Supporting women traders to grow their businesses and increase income.

2. Skills Development

Providing training in:

Business management
Financial literacy
Marketing skills
Product quality improvement

3. Access to Finance

Facilitating access to:

Microfinance services
Savings groups
Small business grants

4. Market Development

Advocating for:

Better market infrastructure
Clean and safe marketplaces
Proper stalls for traders

5. Women’s Rights and Representation

Representing women market workers in discussions with local authorities and development partners.

Membership

Membership is open to women engaged in market-based economic activities including:

Gold sellers
Vegetable vendors
Milk traders
Food and meal vendors
Other small-scale women traders

Members benefit from:

Business training
Networking opportunities
Collective advocacy
Economic support programs

Organizational Structure

The association operates through a democratic structure consisting of:

General Assembly

The highest decision-making body composed of all members.

Executive Committee

Responsible for day-to-day management and strategic decisions.

Key positions include:

Chairperson
Vice Chairperson
Secretary General
Treasurer
Programs Coordinator
Training and Capacity Building Officer
Market Representatives

Partnerships

The association aims to collaborate with:

Local government authorities
Women empowerment organizations
Microfinance institutions
NGOs and development partners
Market management authorities

11. Contact Information

Head Office: Hargeisa, Somaliland
Email:
Phone: +252 XXX XXX XXX