It was established by Fartuun Adan in honour of her late husband Elman Ali Ahmed, a local entrepreneur and peace activist.
[1] The organization was founded in 1990 and is dedicated to promoting peace, cultivating leadership and empowering the marginalized brackets of society to be decision makers in the processes that ensure their well-being.
Ilwad also helps run Sister Somalia, a subsidiary of the Elman Peace and Human Rights Center.
[2] The country's first program for assistance of victims of gender-based violence, it provides counseling, health and housing support for women in need.
Ilwad has also carried out educational workshops through the center for vulnerable members of society, and designed and implemented projects promoting alternative livelihood opportunities for both young and old.