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Our Vision

To create a society where people with disabilities enjoy equal rights, dignity, and equal opportunities.Our Mission

We advocate for the rights of all people with disabilities to be fully included in every aspect of life. We challenge decision-makers, institutions, and individuals to remove barriers that limit inclusion and equality.

We are an organization led by, run by, and dedicated to people with disabilities. We collaborate with disability organizations and governments around the world to influence regional, national, and international change—improving rights, access to benefits, quality of life, and economic opportunities.

Who We Are: Hjelpe Mennesker Med Spesielle Behov (HMMSB)

HMMSB (Org. No. 924 040 637 | Vipps No. 751071) is a women-led Norwegian humanitarian NGO headquartered in Norway, with extensive operations across the Horn of Africa. While our roots are in global disability rights advocacy, our practical expertise is grounded in gender-sensitive humanitarian programming. We deliver healthcare, protection services, and empowerment initiatives for vulnerable communities—especially women and girls with disabilities in Djibouti, Somalia, and Ethiopia.Our Core Capabilities & Experience

Our organization has developed comprehensive expertise through:

  • Implementation of protection programs including SGBV prevention and response

  • Establishment of safe spaces and support services for women and girls with disabilities

  • Delivery of gender-sensitive healthcare and reproductive health services

  • Women's economic empowerment and vocational training initiatives

  • Girls' education programs addressing barriers to schooling (including disability-related stigma)

  • High-level advocacy with regional governments and stakeholders

  • Emergency aid distribution to crisis-affected populations

Our Gender-Specific Humanitarian Experience

We bring particular strength in:

  • Designing and operating women-friendly spaces in humanitarian settings

  • Training community health workers in GBV case management

  • Implementing menstrual hygiene management (MHM) programs

  • Conducting large-scale GBV awareness campaigns (with a focus on women with disabilities)

  • Facilitating women's leadership in community decision-making

  • Providing psychosocial support for survivors of violence


Challenges Faced by People with Disabilities

Assistive Technology Gap
Inaccessible Environments
Social Barriers
Limited access to appropriate assistive and rehabilitative devices.
Physical spaces that are not designed for inclusion.
Negative attitudes, stigma, and discrimination.

Our Strategic Partnerships

We collaborate with disability organizations and governments worldwide. Our trusted partners include:

Norwegian Partners:

  • Bergen Mosque (aid mobilization)

  • Batteriet Vest-Norge (capacity building)

  • Norwegian medical networks (technical support)

International & Local Allies:

  • UN Women (gender policy frameworks)

  • Life for a Child program (healthcare funding)

  • Sitti Relief Development Association (field implementation)

  • Jubaland regional government (policy engagement)

  • Local women's rights organizations (community outreach)


Why HMMSB for Disability-Inclusive Programs?

  • Gender-Expert Implementer: Demonstrated success in women and girls' programming, including those with disabilities.

  • Protection Specialists: Extensive SGBV prevention and response experience.

  • Women-Led Model: Authentic representation in all program aspects.

  • Integrated Approach: Combining health, protection, and empowerment services.

  • Regional Presence: Established operations across project areas.

  • Partnership Network: Strong ties with both international and local actors.

Our Value Proposition

We offer:

  • Existing women-friendly infrastructure for program delivery

  • Trained female staff and community health workers

  • Proven gender-sensitive monitoring systems

  • Established trust with women and girls (including those with disabilities) in target communities

  • Experience in climate-affected humanitarian settings

This combination of specialized gender expertise, operational experience, and partner networks positions HMMSB as an ideal implementer for climate-conscious protection and health solutions for people with disabilities across the Horn of Africa and beyond.

Make a Difference

Everyone can contribute to building a more inclusive and supportive community.

  • ✅ Be aware and supportive of people around you

  • ✅ Volunteer your time in community initiatives

  • ✅ Donate to support disability programs

  • ✅ Share unused items with those in need

  • ✅ Practice kindness and respect daily

  • ✅ Offer help when needed

  • ✅ Support people emotionally during difficult times

  • ✅ Promote gratitude and positivity

Get to know us

Our History

June 2018

$100.000 Donations

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August 2016

Helping over 18.000 Homeless

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Septmber 2012

Building our 10th Shelter

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July 2007

Reaching 2.900 Volunteers

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January 2003

$20.000 Donations

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November 2001

Starting with weCare

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FAQ

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Donating is important

Help us building a new Shelter.