Mogadishu, Somalia (Dawan Africa) – Somalia celebrated the International Day of Women Engineers, with an event held in Mogadishu that recognized the growing contributions of women in the engineering field on Monday. The event brought together women engineers, community leaders, and government officials to celebrate progress and highlight the essential role women are playing in the country’s development, particularly in the engineering and innovation sectors.
Historically, women in Somalia have faced significant barriers when pursuing careers in engineering. However, with the rise of women like Idman, who shared her personal journey, it has become evident that these barriers can be broken. "I’ve faced many challenges. People used to say, 'Oh, women engineers can’t do anything.' But I can say, over and over again, that women can do everything. Just follow your dreams. If you dream of being an engineer, just step forward and you can prove it. You can achieve anything," said Idman, emphasizing the importance of resilience and determination in her profession.
While challenges remain, such as limited resources and societal perceptions, the progress made by women engineers in Somalia is undeniable. The Somali government has acknowledged the critical importance of supporting women in engineering. Abdirisaq Shekh Muhudiin, a former government minister, highlighted the need for collaboration with international engineering organizations to help strengthen Somalia’s engineering sector for women. "The international community has associations dedicated to engineering. The Somali government has a responsibility to communicate with these organizations, especially to strengthen our engineering sector for women," he said.
The Somali Engineers Association also addressed the increasing number of young women entering the field, but noted that women still make up a small percentage of engineers. Ibrahim Abdi Heyle, a member of the Association, stated, "To increase this number, we must support and encourage women by providing them with more opportunities and technical assistance from both the government and regional partners."
The involvement of women engineers in Somalia is crucial in the nation’s rebuilding process. With continued support and greater opportunities, women will play an even more significant role in shaping the future of Somalia, contributing to a stronger and more resilient nation.
