Abaay Mohamed Issack

From the fertile lands of Daweelow to a shelter in Baidoa, Abaay Mohamed Issack, 60, mother and grandmother, is on a quest to re-imagine what recovery looks like in her age.

"We lived in prosperity and happiness."

Before the displacement, Abaay's life was rooted in her land, her camels, her cattle, her goats. Everything she had came from what she could nurture and sustain with her own hands.

Then the drought came, stripping that life away and forcing her to leave in search of help. In Baidoa, she joined countless other displaced families, all rebuilding from loss. There, nothing was certain. Water was scarce. Food was unreliable. Shelter was only temporary.

When there is nothing left, neighbors and the Somali diaspora help where they can. Abaay is the sole provider for her family, but it has become more daunting at the displacement site since she also lives with a disability.

"My disability makes life in the camp very difficult. People like me suffer the most. We are alive, but our needs are not seen."

Leaning on her walking stick, Abaay holds onto what hope means for her now — not just help with each step, but the strength to keep going, care for her family, and believe she can return home with dignity.