Dr. Edna Adan Ismail Honored with a Prestigious Nomination for the Clevenard Media Award 2025 in Palma de Mallorca, Spain

• Award Category: Global Humanitarian Leadership & Women’s Health Advocacy
• Title: Founder & Chancellor, Edna Adan University and Edna Adan University Hospital

Palma de Mallorca, Spain — The Clevenard Media Award 2025 is set to take center stage in the stunning Mediterranean city of Palma de Mallorca, Spain, celebrating global excellence in entertainment, entrepreneurship, fashion, innovation, leadership, and community empowerment. This landmark edition brings together brilliant minds, visionary entrepreneurs, influential public figures, and compassionate community leaders from across continents to honor those transforming the world through resilience, innovation, and purpose.

Among this year’s distinguished nominees stands Dr. Edna Adan Ismail, a pioneering African humanitarian, health advocate, and women’s rights defender whose legacy continues to inspire the world. Her nomination in the category of Global Humanitarian Leadership & Women’s Health Advocacy recognizes a lifetime dedicated to advancing women’s health, education, and empowerment — not only in Africa but across the globe.

A Life of Firsts and a Legacy of Change

Born in Hargeisa, in what was then the British Somaliland Protectorate, Dr. Edna Adan Ismail’s story is one of courage, excellence, and compassion. Her journey began in the 1950s when she travelled to London to study nursing and midwifery, breaking barriers at a time when few African women were afforded such opportunities.

Upon returning home in 1961, Edna brought with her a vision to uplift women through healthcare and education. Her mission quickly expanded beyond borders, impacting lives across the Horn of Africa and beyond.

She became the first Somali woman to hold a director-level position in the Ministry of Health and the first female Foreign Minister of Somaliland, paving the way for generations of women to enter leadership and diplomacy. Through her work in public service, she tirelessly advocated for social reform, maternal health, and women’s education, using every platform available to give a voice to the voiceless.

Humanitarian Vision and Global Impact

Dr. Edna Adan Ismail is best known as the Founder and Chancellor of the Edna Adan University Hospital, a world-class non-profit medical institution she built upon her retirement from the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1997. Determined to rebuild her country’s collapsed healthcare system after years of civil war, she invested her savings and dedicated her life to ensuring that women and children could access safe, quality healthcare.

Since its founding, the Edna Adan University Hospital has grown into a major referral and teaching hospital serving thousands of patients every year. With over 1,500 students enrolled — 70% of them women — the institution provides training in medicine, midwifery, nursing, pharmacy, public health, laboratory sciences, and anaesthesia, nurturing a new generation of African health professionals.

Dr. Edna’s lifelong campaign against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) has made her one of the world’s most respected and fearless voices for women’s rights. She has worked tirelessly for over four decades to eradicate the practice, leading advocacy movements across Africa and globally, and training legions of midwives to champion safe, respectful, and dignified childbirth practices.

Leadership Beyond Borders

Her leadership extends well beyond medicine. From 2002, she entered the political arena, serving as Minister of Family Welfare and Social Development, and later as Minister of Foreign Affairs of Somaliland (2003–2006). She also served as WHO’s Regional Nursing/Midwifery Advisor and WHO Representative in Djibouti, influencing health policy and systems across East Africa.

In 2017, Dr. Edna was appointed Special Envoy for the Somaliland–Somalia Peace Talks, a role that underscores her commitment to peacebuilding and reconciliation. Her wisdom and diplomatic experience continue to make her a guiding light in regional and international relations.

Recognition and Global Honors

Dr. Edna’s extraordinary work has been recognized around the world. Among her numerous honors are:

• French Légion d’Honneur (2011)
• Commandeur Dans l’Ordre National du 27 Juin (Republic of Djibouti, 1997)
• Templeton Prize (2023)
• Chancellor’s Gold Medal, University of Pretoria (Africa)
• Honorary Doctorates from Clark University, University of Pennsylvania, Cardiff University, London South Bank University, and Ahfad University for Women in Sudan
• Honorary Fellow of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (UK)
• Nominated for the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought (European Parliament)
• Shortlisted for the Nobel Peace Prize

Her life and mission were also immortalized in the PBS documentary “Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide”, and in her autobiography “A Woman of Firsts” (HarperCollins, 2019) — a global bestseller translated into several languages.

Dr. Edna Adan Ismail’s influence transcends generations and borders. She is not only a healer but a builder of nations, a voice for women, and a symbol of hope for Africa and the world.

Event Details

• Date: Friday, 21 November 2025
• Venue: Calle Manacor, núm. 156, Palma 07007, Illes Balears, Spain
• Organizer: Clevenard SL (NIF: B75809574)
  

About Clevenard

Clevenard SL is an international media and digital marketing company dedicated to promoting global excellence through communication, storytelling, and collaboration. Operating across Europe, Africa, and the UK, Clevenard specializes in public relations, networking, telecommunications, and international consultancy.

Through its initiatives such as the Clevenard Media Awards, Clevenard honors exceptional individuals and organizations that use their influence to uplift communities, drive innovation, and foster global understanding.

Join Us – Be Part of History

Whether you are a healthcare professional, entrepreneur, artist, policymaker, or advocate, the Clevenard Media Award 2025 invites you to be part of a transformative global experience.

Celebrate excellence. Inspire change. Shape the future.

Categoria:

Press release 

Organizzazione:

Clevenard

Scritto:

Tolu Osindero

Telefono:

+34631279811

Posizione:

Spain