About Us
Strengthening the pillar that holds society up
The Udub Institute is a women-led community-driven research and academic empowerment organization headquartered in Hargeisa, Somaliland, and licensed by the Ministry of Trade.
Our Vision
A society where women's knowledge, voices, and leadership define the academic, policy, and civic future.
Our Mission
To advance women's participation in academic research and intellectual leadership by supporting women scholars, publishing women's research, mentoring the next generation of female academics, and building a community of practice for women in higher education and policy.
Community-driven origins
Rooted in Hargeisa
We believe that the transformation of society begins when women are positioned not only as beneficiaries of knowledge, but as its producers, custodians, and leaders.
Our work concentrates on three core functions — to produce, to mentor, and to connect — giving priority to women Master's and PhD students and early-career researchers, where the gap in mentorship and publication support is greatest.
Core values
What guides our work
Women as producers of knowledge
Not only beneficiaries, but producers, custodians, and leaders of knowledge.
Academic excellence
Rigorous research and high standards in scholarship and writing.
Community-driven
Women-led and rooted in the community it serves.
Non-partisan & non-profit
A character safeguarded by the Advisory Board.
Independence & integrity
Independent review with conflicts of interest declared and recused.
Transparency
Open financial records and annual narrative and financial reporting.
Governance & Oversight
Clear separation between oversight, management, and review
Udub Institute operates as a registered non-profit under the license of the Ministry of Trade.
Advisory Board
Senior women academics and practitioners who provide strategic guidance, review annual plans and reports, and safeguard the Institute's non-partisan, non-profit character.
Founder and Director
Leads the Institute, is accountable to the Advisory Board, and manages partnerships and fundraising.
Programme Secretariat
Manages daily operations, mentorship, calls, and the network, and keeps programme and financial records.
Independent Review Panels
Select grant and competition awardees and vet mentors, with conflicts of interest declared and recused.
Monitoring & Learning
Measured, reported, every year
- Mentees enrolled, mentoring cycles completed, and mentee and mentor satisfaction
- Manuscripts supported, submitted, and published
- Calls issued, applications received, and awards made
- Network members, seminars held, and annual forum attendance
Financial Sustainability
Diverse, transparent support
- Grants from development partners and donors
- Partnerships with universities and academic departments
- In-kind support from volunteer mentors, hosts, and speakers
- Transparent financial records and an annual narrative and financial report