Fourteen years of war have resulted in both loss and horrific violence for Somali women. A book from the Catholic Institute for International Relations presents the harrowing testimonies of war-affected Somali women. Many have lost their male relatives and have witnessed their murders. Despite this discouraging scenario, there are some signs of hope. Local human rights organisations have emerged where none existed a decade ago and some are addressing sexual violence; In the refugee camps of northern Kenya sexual assaults on women no longer go unpunished; In the northern mini-state of Somaliland democratic elections have been held and two female cabinet ministers have been appointed and; Women in the diaspora are able to take advantage of new opportunities for education and training.