In the throes of decades-long violent conflicts, Somalia continues to suffer the consequences of violent extremism and the utter collapse of its central government. Since 2022, Equal Access International (EAI) has led a consortium to help the country rebuild its security and justice sectors as the social and behavior change (SBC) prime partner under the Nabadgelinta Soomaaliya program. The program is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the European Union and overseen by the International Organization for Migration (IOM). EAI works with partners BBC Media Action, Perspective Media and Gargaar Relief and Development Organization to support Somalis in achieving visible, practical change in its security and justice systems in both Jubaland and Southwest State. 

Since 2018 EAI has worked consistently with Somali speakers, beginning with the Somali Voices project (2018-2023), which increased the resilience of Somali-speaking communities in Somalia, Kenya, and Ethiopia. The project aimed to reduce the influence of criminal and violent extremist movements, with an emphasis on strengthening local capacity to counter al-Shabaab’s recruitment efforts and shifting attitudes related to violence.