Many talented women have either fled the country or given up their dreams because it simply isn’t safe.

The story of Samia Yusuf Omar stands as a tragic example.

In April 2012, Somalis were shocked by the death of the young athlete, who drowned in the Mediterranean Sea while trying to cross from Libya to Italy on a migrant boat after the overcrowded vessel ran out of fuel, and during a rescue attempt by the Italian Navy, Samia was among those who perished.

After competing in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Samia faced threats from militant groups like Al-Shabaab, who opposed women participating in sports. In search of a safer place to continue her training for the 2012 London Olympics, she moved to Ethiopia in 2010.

Her journey later took her through Sudan and into Libya, where she hoped to reach Europe for better opportunities. She never made it.

Despite all odds, a new generation of young women is rising. In Mogadishu, the Somali women’s handball team is training hard every day, preparing to represent their country in the Africa Zone 5 women’s youth and junior tournaments of the International Handball Federation Trophy Africa tournament, which will be held in Uganda in May 2025.

One of these players is 17-year-old Fowsiya Nur Hassan Ali, who plays as number 5 for her team.

Growing up in a deeply patriarchal culture, her path was not easy, but she received strong encouragement from her mother.

“I joined this team in 2022 after my mother encouraged me,” Fowsiya says as her teammates gather in a circle to pray for strength, ending another day of training on a dusty, hot field in Boondheere district.

The field they use is part of a district hall, where male players often dominate the space, making it difficult for the women to secure training slots. Still, Fowsiya remains determined.

She developed her love for sports early on, often watching the American NBA games on YouTube.

“But there are some people who do not like me playing and who don’t want to see me succeed in sports as a woman,” she says.

“I faced both encouragement and discouragement,” she admits.

However, Fowsiya refuses to listen to those who belittle women athletes. Her message to critics is simple:

“I would say to them, ‘Come and see how we’re doing in the stadium. Even if you’re not willing to play, just come and watch.'”

She says she feels even more motivated when more fans show up to watch. Her dream is to one day represent Somalia on the international stage.

Mohamed Hurshe Hassan ‘Enow,’ President of the Somali Handball Federation, reflects on the journey of Somali handball and the many hurdles they still face.

“From 1991 onwards, my colleagues and I began recruiting men’s and women’s handball teams to compete at the national level,” he says.

“During the civil war, Mogadishu was divided into two parts, separated by a green line. One part was controlled by warlord General Mohamed Farah Aidid’s militia, while the other was under the control of Aidid’s rival Ali Mahdi’s militia. Once again, sports played a role in reopening the city and breaking the Green Zone barrier that had divided it.”

Today, the women’s handball team battles not only cultural barriers but also financial hardship. The players have just one pair of clothing and shoes to train in.

“One pair of trainers costs only $35,” Hurshe notes, highlighting how even small needs are difficult to meet.

Fadumo Ali Abdirahman, the team’s coach, talks about the ongoing struggles — shortages of t-shirts, socks, shoes, and tracksuits — but also about their growing ambitions.

“We began training this team from the very beginning. First, they played in Serie B, and then they came to Serie A,” she explains.

Back in 2018, when Somalia’s under-18 handball team participated in a tournament in Uganda, they were heavily defeated by the hosts, 37-16. But this time, Fadumo is hopeful.

“Even though we have limited resources and equipment such as t-shirts for training and shoes, we are trying our best,” Fadumo says.

“We will continue to strengthen the team, Insha’Allah, since we are participating in an international competition. We hope for a very beautiful victory, Insha’Allah.”

For many of the young players, handball offers a more accessible route than football, which demands larger teams and more equipment.

“The rules are different,” explains Hodan Mohamud Abdullahi, another 17-year-old player.

“In football, you need more people to play various roles, but with handball, I can play alone on the field. I don’t need anyone to help me. I can play by myself and try out the best skills I can develop.”

Another rising star, 17-year-old Nasteho Mohamud Khamiis, dreams of playing at the national level — a dream she hopes to realize soon.

“After the game in Uganda, I am going to play at the national championship with my favorite team, Heegan,” she says, referring to Somalia’s national premier league team established under the Somali Police Force in the 1970s.

Her journey has not been easy. It involved long months of training, even during the holy month of Ramadan.

“We continued training for six months now. Even during the holy month of Ramadan, we trained during the night,” Nasteho shares.

She, too, has a message for skeptics:

“Come and see.”

Encouragingly, the culture around women’s sports in Somalia appears to be shifting. Somali men are beginning not only to accept but actively support women athletes.

Hassan Yusuf Abdullahi, a fan from Boondheere, regularly comes to watch the women’s team play.

“I’m very happy. As someone from Boondheere, I’m one of those who really love handball. I come to watch because I support the girls. I admire the progress these girls are making. I’ve always been passionate about handball, and now I stand with the girls. I support them wholeheartedly, and I’m proud of them. I’m truly happy to see them representing our nation, and I fully support them,” Hassan says.

Coach Fadumo also calls for continued support:

“I ask our fans and supporters to continue supporting us. I ask them to come to the stadium, watch the games, and cheer our women as they play,” she appeals.

Despite all the daily threats they face — especially the risks of being targeted by militant groups like Al-Shabaab — none of the women speak publicly about it, following instructions from their management to avoid raising security risks.

Still, the players remain full of hope and determination. Hodan sends a powerful message to other young women:

“Women can do anything. Sadly, some women believe that they cannot achieve anything. But you must understand, it’s all about your mindset,” she says.

“If you set a goal today and believe that you can achieve it, you surely will. But if you believe you can’t, then you won’t achieve it.”

Nasteho proudly reminds everyone what is at stake for her and her teammates:

“Each of us is striving to represent our Somali flag, bring home the victory, and win the trophy,” she says.

“It has been my dream to wear the t-shirt with Somalia painted on it in international games. God willing, we hope to bring victory to our country.”

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The Somali Civil Society Union also commends the international community for recognizing the serious challenges that the Somali people are currently facing and the urgent need for a lasting resolution to the country’s prolonged political conflicts. It is encouraging that the international community has explicitly called for Somali political stakeholders to come together for an inclusive reconciliation process under international mediation.

It is worth acknowledging the courageous efforts of the Puntland people and government in defeating terrorist groups that invaded their territories. The support of the international community and internal unity has demonstrated that when Somalis collectively and sincerely engage in a just struggle, they can achieve victory—with the guidance of Allah. Additionally, the efforts of the people and administration of Jubbaland in combating terrorism and securing their regions deserve recognition.

Today, more than 30 years after the civil war, Somalia faces one of its most perilous moments. There is an imminent risk of the federal government collapsing, leading to a return to chaos. Furthermore, international terrorist organizations such as Al-Shabaab—closely linked to Al-Qaeda—and the Houthi militants in Yemen, supported by Iran, pose an escalating threat.

For a long time, the Somali people have been deeply concerned about the international community’s silence regarding the dangers facing Somalia, while the Mogadishu regime has continuously exposed the country to increasing instability and unilateral power consolidation.

In light of the ongoing selfless efforts by the international community—particularly the United States and the United Kingdom—the Somali Civil Society Union presents the following recommendations:

1. Any reconciliation process must be inclusive, ensuring that all segments of society are represented, with particular emphasis on the role of women, youth, and marginalized communities.

2. Any peace initiative must guarantee stability, security, and the right of Somali citizens to freely express their democratic will.

3. Reconciliation is essential; however, terrorist groups, international criminals, and individuals responsible for human rights violations and war crimes must not be included in the process to ensure accountability and justice are upheld.

4. Somalia’s federal system is based on a governance model that mandates elections every four years. Therefore, the current political process must not be used to justify an unconstitutional extension of power.

May Allah grant success! Long live the Somali people!

(Source: Press Release, Somali Civil Society Union Date: April 2, 2025)

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Statistics show that girls often face systemic disadvantages in education. According to data from 2022, only 28% of students enrolled in Somali schools were girls, leaving the majority, 72%, as boys.

Furthermore, literacy rates for adult women stood at less than 22%, compared to 54% for men.

Despite these challenges, the Gedo, a region marred by conflict, has recently shown progress in increasing girls’ enrollment in schools.

Girls now make up more than 40% of students in educational institutions in the region, a notable improvement.

In Balad Hawo district alone, over 12,000 students were enrolled in schools during the last academic year.

Of these, more than 5,500 were girls, accounting for 45% of the total enrollment, according to the Ministry of Education’s records.

Local Communities Push for Change

Some communities in Gedo are beginning to recognize the importance of educating girls. In Balad Amiin, a pastoral village about seven kilometers from the Kenyan border, a local primary and secondary school has seen a significant increase in female enrollment.

“Girls enrollment this year reached 367 out of 722 students,” said Ibrahim Kalil Ibrahim, deputy principal of the school. “This shows significant progress in girls’ education as the community has increasingly recognized its importance.”

Similar trends are evident in Balad Hawo Secondary School, the first government-run high school in the area.

The Balad Amiin school principal, Abdulna’em, noted a rise in the number of girls attending higher grades.

“In the past, girls were mostly in primary school classes, but now there’s a notable change,” he said.

However, he highlighted that financial barriers remain a challenge.

“When it comes to tuition fees, parents often prioritize boys, leaving many girls out of school even after they’ve started their education,” he added.

While progress is being made, educators report that cultural and economic challenges continue to hinder girls’ education in Somalia.

“Numerous challenges still hinder girls’ education, starting from the schools themselves,” said Abdiaziz Mubarak, head of research at Gedo University.

“In rural areas, when girls finish primary school, they cannot access secondary schools in towns because parents prioritize boys. Economic difficulties, cultural pressures, forced marriages, and traditional beliefs are also barriers,” Abdiaziz remarked.

Abdiaziz emphasized the importance of changing these perceptions.

“Some believe a girl who can read and write doesn’t need further education because her role is to marry and become a housewife. This mindset must change,” he added.

Advocates argue that ensuring equal access to education is essential for Somalia’s development.

They believe that educating girls is critical to rebuilding the nation after decades of conflict and instability.

“An educated mother is the cornerstone of an educated nation,” Abdiaziz said, underlining the importance of addressing these challenges to achieve societal progress.

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Hodan Said, Puntland’s Minister of Youth and Sports, stated that the decision was made due to security concerns.

Hodan claimed that women fans were contributing to incitement and clannism, which could escalate into violence during the game.

The decision has sparked criticism, with many viewing it as discriminatory against women football supporters.

Over the past two weeks, women have actively participated as fans, adding vibrancy to the matches.

Local observers argue that the exclusion of women fans will diminish the excitement and inclusivity that have characterized the games so far.

This development raises concerns about gender equality in sports and the broader implications for women’s participation in public events in Puntland.

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Its beauty calls through passionate glances,

Towards the one you cherish and desire.

For me, it is paradise,

Yet, I am in a battle,

Against anyone who confuses or

Strays from the path of love.

The Somali Youth Forum, known as #Gobsoor, celebrated its 7th anniversary with love poems and speeches delivered by various guests from the government and civil society in Mogadishu.

Farhiyo Lama-Filan, a member of the forum, gave a speech during the celebration held in Mogadishu last night.

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But the country has not adopted two vital laws to strengthen the legal framework for prosecuting conflict-related sexual violence.

This means rape will be normal in the country.

In a statement On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, the United Nations in Somalia today called for enhancing the legal protection of all Somalis from sexual violence.

“The severe drought that has affected Somalia for the last five years, coupled with the ongoing conflict, has exposed women and girls to increased risks of sexual violence – the adoption of laws that reinforce the legal protection of all people, especially women and girls, from sexual violence will help make a difference,” said the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia, Catriona Laing.

Rape and other forms of sexual violence have long been part of the multitude of human rights abuses committed by different actors in Somalia, during more than two decades of conflict.

Prosecutions and convictions for rape and other forms of sexual violence are rare in Somalia, where survivors not only experience fear and shame in reporting such crimes, but at times face greater abuse and stigmatisation if they do report the attack.

The inability and unwillingness of the Somali authorities to impartially investigate cases of sexual violence and bring perpetrators to justice leaves survivors further isolated.

Local human rights groups say this remains as a major factor contributing to a pervasive climate of impunity in which perpetrators know that they can commit such crimes and get away with it.

Somali government is yet to adopt a law to strengthen the legal framework for prosecuting conflict-related sexual violence.

The federal parliament failed to pass the Sexual Offences and the Female Genital Mutilation bills.

The International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict is observed annually on 19 June, with the date marking the Security Council’s adoption of a resolution recognizing sexual violence as a weapon of war and a threat to international peace and security.

The aim of the Day is to remind the world of the collective responsibility to prevent and end sexual violence in conflict, and to uphold the dignity and human rights of everyone.

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“The ‘Blue Economy’ that we want to exploit includes fisheries from our waters and all the goods that pass through it; we also have to consider the value chain from the fisherman, to the buyer, to the marketer and to the investor. In order to succeed in this venture we need to empower women across the whole value chain,” Somalia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Salah Ahmed Jama, said in his speech at the event to launch the Women in Maritime Sector (WiMS) National Action Plan.

“I can assure you that if we put all our efforts and work towards empowering women, especially in the ‘Blue Economy’ and around climate change, we will definitely have success,” he continued.

“The WiMS National Action Plan will help to ensure that women operating across the maritime domain are provided increased visibility and opportunities to not only participate in, but also benefit from, the sector,” the UN Secretary-General’s Deputy Special Representative for Somalia, Anita Kiki Gbeho, said in her remarks.

“Opportunities are limitless in the maritime domain. With its vast coastline, Somalia’s ‘Blue Economy’ could be at the forefront of delivering change and generating wealth for Somalia’s women and, indeed, for the nation,” added Ms. Gbeho, who also serves as the Officer-in-Charge of the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM).

Others attending the launch included Somalia’s Minister of Women and Human Rights, Khadija Diriye; its Minister of Ports and Marine Transport, Abdullahi Ahmed Jama; and the Head of Delegation of the European Union, Ambassador Tiina Intelmann.

Plan’s culmination

The WiMS National Action Plan marks the culmination of a Somali-led process that began in September 2019, with coordination and support from UNSOM and the European Union Capacity Building Mission in Somalia (EUCAP Somalia).

“This Action Plan takes a lead in ensuring that women are included in this area and will contribute wider to gender equality in Somalia,” Amb. Intelmann said in her remarks at the launch.

With its key location along main international shipping routes, some 3,300 kilometres of coastline and extensive sea-based resources, Somalia’s maritime domain is widely considered as providing immense economic opportunities in the ‘Blue Economy.’

However, there is a critical shortage of maritime skills due to the lack of educational and institutional capacity. Also, there remains a significant gender inequality which deprives Somali women and girls of their basic rights and opportunities, including maritime education, economic participation and access to financial resources.

The Action Plan, developed through an inclusive approach involving the Federal Government of Somalia and the country’s Federal Member States, was designed to collectively develop women’s needs and priorities in the maritime sector, within both the private sector and government institutions.

Plan’s implementation

Those involved in developing the action plan over the past six years also include the Federal Government of Somalia’s Ministries of Port and Maritime Transport, Women and Human Rights Development, Fisheries and Blue Economy, Education, Labour, Internal Security, Justice and Planning, as well as a range of corresponding ministries from the country’s Federal Member State.

In their remarks, the Deputy Prime Minister and the UN Deputy Special Representative noted the important role of international partners.

“Organizations should work on empowering women. We are hoping that our donors and partners will consider investing in women in this sector,” Deputy Prime Minister Jama said.

The UN’s Ms. Gbeho emphasized that it was now crucial to transform the Action Plan into projects that can be supported with technical and financial assistance.

In this respect, she also encouraged UN agencies to continue their support.

“The collective commitment we are making jointly today in launching the WiMS National Action Plan is of vital importance,” she said. “We need a gender responsive maritime domain, with new procedures and structures that bring real change. We need a sector that recognizes and promotes women’s willingness and agency to work in maritime, fisheries, mineral extraction and law enforcement sectors.”

“The UN believes,” Ms. Gbeho continued, “an ocean of opportunities exist for Somalia to explore; I can see its Women in Maritime are ready to be part of the exploration team.”

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