Dhamal Earth Initiative is a women-led environmental organization working across the Horn of Africa to address the interconnected challenges of environmental degradation, climate stress, poverty, displacement, and conflict.
Who We Are
Our Story
Why We Exist
Across the Horn of Africa, recurring droughts, land degradation, water scarcity, and coastal pollution continue to threaten livelihoods and community stability.
We were founded on the belief that environmental restoration can help address these challenges while creating opportunities for peace, resilience, and sustainable development.
Women at the Center of Solutions
Women are often the first to experience the impacts of environmental hardship. They are also among the most effective leaders of community transformation.
We empower women to lead environmental restoration, strengthen families, and build resilient communities.
Why Women-Led
Focusing Where the Need Is Greatest
The Horn of Africa faces some of the world's most significant environmental and climate-related challenges.
Our work focuses on underserved communities where environmental recovery can help create lasting opportunities for peace, dignity, and resilience.
Why the Horn of Africa
Our Values
What Guides Our Work
Community-Led Solutions
We work alongside communities to create locally driven change.
Women’s Leadership
Women are powerful agents of change.
Environmental Justice
Every community deserves access to a healthy environment.
Youth Empowerment
Young people are leaders of tomorrow.
Peacebuilding
Environmental restoration can strengthen stability and cooperation.
Sustainability
Long-term solutions require long-term stewardship.
Ramlo Iman
Executive Director, Dhamal Earth Initiative
Ramlo Iman is the Executive Director of Dhamal Earth Initiative, a women-led nonprofit organization dedicated to environmental restoration, women's empowerment, and building resilient communities across the Horn of Africa.
A Somali woman born and raised in the Horn of Africa, Ramlo has personally experienced many of the hardships faced by Somali women and girls. Growing up, she witnessed the impacts of drought, environmental degradation, displacement, and limited access to opportunities. These lived experiences have given her a deep understanding of the resilience of Somali women and a lifelong commitment to creating sustainable solutions that address the root causes of poverty, environmental decline, and vulnerability.
With a background in social work, Ramlo has spent years advocating for schoolchildren and supporting families in Minnesota. Her work has focused on promoting children's well-being, strengthening communities, and ensuring that vulnerable individuals have access to the support and resources they need to thrive.
Ramlo frequently travels to the Horn of Africa, maintaining close relationships with local communities and ensuring that Dhamal Earth Initiative's programs are informed by local voices and community priorities. Under her leadership, the organization advances environmental restoration, marine conservation, sustainable livelihoods, women's economic empowerment, and climate resilience.
Ramlo believes that empowering women is one of the most effective ways to restore communities and protect the environment. Her vision is to help build a future where women lead environmental solutions, children grow up in healthy and peaceful communities, and future generations inherit a thriving and resilient Horn of Africa.
Bilan Elmi
Secretary, Dhamal Earth Initiative
Bilan Elmi is the Secretary of Dhamal Earth Initiative, where she provides strategic leadership and governance support while advancing the organisation's mission of environmental restoration and women's empowerment across the Horn of Africa.
Originally from the Horn of Africa, Bilan brings a deep personal connection to the communities Dhamal Earth Initiative serves. Growing up in the region gave her firsthand insight into the challenges many women and girls face, including the effects of environmental degradation, limited economic opportunities, and the disproportionate burden that climate-related hardships place on women and families.
A dedicated advocate for women's leadership, Bilan is passionate about ensuring that women are not only included in decision-making but are empowered to lead efforts that strengthen their communities. She believes that lasting environmental progress and sustainable development are only possible when women have meaningful opportunities to shape solutions and drive change.
Bilan is also deeply committed to environmental protection and recognises the close relationship between healthy ecosystems and thriving communities. She champions initiatives that restore degraded landscapes, protect natural resources, support sustainable livelihoods, and encourage greater participation of women and young people in environmental stewardship.
Through her leadership at Dhamal Earth Initiative, Bilan works to help build resilient communities where women are empowered, the environment is protected, and future generations can prosper in peace and dignity.
Said Omar
Treasurer, Dhamal Earth Initiative
Said Omar serves as the Treasurer of Dhamal Earth Initiative, providing financial oversight and supporting the organisation's commitment to transparency, accountability, and sustainable community development.
Originally from the Horn of Africa, Said brings a deep understanding of the region's environmental, social, and economic realities. Having grown up in communities where pastoralism and small-scale farming are central to daily life, he has firsthand knowledge of the challenges faced by pastoralists and farmers, including recurring droughts, land degradation, water scarcity, and the growing impacts of climate change.
His experience has given him a strong appreciation for the importance of sustainable natural resource management and the role that healthy ecosystems play in supporting livelihoods and promoting stability. Said is particularly passionate about initiatives that strengthen climate resilience, improve access to water, restore degraded landscapes, support sustainable livestock and agricultural practices, and create opportunities for rural communities to thrive.
As Treasurer, Said helps ensure that Dhamal Earth Initiative manages its resources responsibly and efficiently, maximising the impact of every investment in environmental restoration and community development. He believes that restoring the environment is not only essential for protecting nature but also for improving food security, strengthening local economies, and fostering more peaceful and resilient communities across the Horn of Africa.