“Aisha” and her two young children fled her small rural hometown after divorcing her husband.

The 36-year-old woman travelled to Baidoa with her children to start a new chapter in their lives. However, soon after her arrival, stories of “Aisha’s” past association with Al-Shabaab spread quickly within the community.

Due to fear, community members often avoided “Aisha” and her children. As a result, she felt more and more isolated, struggling to fit in and make new connections.

One day, as she expressed, life offered her a “second chance”. She learned about the government’s offer of amnesty and the opportunity to access critical services at a transitional rehabilitation centre in Baidoa, which assisted women formerly associated with the group.

At the rehabilitation centre, “Aisha” and her children received food, healthcare, and education. Through the protection allowance provided by the centre, “Aisha” managed to rent her own place. With the small amount left over, she can meet her children’s basic needs.

This story is part of a series highlighting human stories for the 2025 Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) Symposium.