Somali mothers working in everyday occupations, including selling milk, vegetables and grain, have been recognised at the Women’s Leadership Awards in Mogadishu for their contributions to their families and communities.
The ceremony, held on Sunday, October 25, was organised by Deeqa Ahmed Ismail, who said the initiative was inspired by her travels across Africa and participation in conferences focused on youth, women’s empowerment and environmental issues.
Among those attending were Siraad Mohamed Nur, popularly known as Mama Ugaaso, members of parliament, female officials from the federal government and Banadir regional administration, and other invited guests.
Deeqa praised the determination and resilience of Somali mothers, many of whom begin working as early as 6 a.m. and return home in the evening to care for their children and manage household responsibilities.
“These are people who were never seen on stage before, but today they have been honoured,” she said, highlighting the importance of recognising women whose contributions often go unnoticed.
Siraad Mohamed Nur, head of the Maama Ugaaso Foundation, described the event as a meaningful opportunity to celebrate Somali women both in the country and in the diaspora.
She said the work of mothers was sometimes overlooked despite their central role in raising children and supporting future generations.
“The Somali woman is a pillar of strength. She is a mother, and a mother was originally a girl,” Siraad said, emphasising the importance of recognising women’s contributions throughout their lives.
She also called for a culture in which people are appreciated while they are still actively serving their families and communities, rather than receiving recognition only after retirement or death.
“ Telling someone ‘thank you’ while they are still doing the work becomes the fuel that keeps them doing good,” she said, expressing gratitude for growing public awareness of the value of recognising people’s efforts.
Deeqa said organising the ceremony had not been easy, revealing that the programme was postponed three times because of difficulties finding an affordable venue.
She explained that renting a suitable hall in Mogadishu could cost more than $1,000, while some people who had promised financial assistance failed to deliver their support.
“Every programme needs two things: a venue and a time. I found the time, but the venue was hard to get,” she said.
Despite the challenges, Deeqa thanked those who contributed to making the event possible.
The awards placed a spotlight on women whose daily work sustains households and supports local economies, particularly those working in informal markets and small-scale trading.
By honouring these mothers publicly, the organisers sought to recognise the often-unseen labour and sacrifices that help Somali families and communities thrive.