Sunday, March 8, marks International Women’s Day, the day set by the United Nations to commemorate the successes and challenges faced by women around the world. Even though this day is a special day for women around the globe, I want to celebrate some of the Somali women’s history, the roles they played in the past and present.
Historically, Somali women played an important role in the independence struggle, cessation of hostility and the post-conflict construction. Despite the fact that women’s efforts in all aspects of lives were apparent, yet their roles, struggle and efforts go unnoticed because of the biased media and domination of the patriarchal society. Among women who were killed during the 1948 independence struggle in Mogadishu include Hawo Osman Tako, a Somali nationalist whose legacy still is alive.
Somali women did not only take part in the independence struggle to eradicate the colonial rule, but also many arose to save people’s lives from the jaws of the civil and factional fighting. The most prominent was Doctor Hawa Abdi, a Somali human rights activist and physician, and her daughter Deka Mohamed, who set up a free health clinic in 1983. Since the outbreak of the civil war in 1991 and until now, Hawa’s camp has been a home to many hundreds of families who received free food and medicine. Glamour magazine once describes Hawa as equal as Mother Theresa.
In Somalia, among those activists who campaigned for peace and demobilization included Starlin Abdi Arush, the late peace activist. Starlin negotiated with warlords and opened up a demobilization camp for militiamen. Marian Hussein Mohamed, the director of Dr. Ismail Jum’ale Human Right Center also focused on peacebuilding and human rights.
Those Somali activists did not only crusade for peace just because they bore the burden of war, but they had an obligation to do all in their power to stop the conflict. Some women sacrificed their lives in rebuilding the country. In the case of late Sado Ali, a Somali legendary singer and politician, a former MP in the Federal Parliament of Somalia epitomized being nationalistic and patriotic who treasured her country and people. She stood up for injustice during the former regime of Siad Barre. She was known for her songs in the 1980s, when she sang about political and social injustice. Sado was gunned down last year in Mogadishu because she never minced her words about injustices, corruption and the rise of militancy. Sado lived in the United States, but she chose to take a lion’s part in rebuilding her country instead.
All those women I mentioned above remind us all of their effective leadership styles,and nationalism. Some of those who lost their lives while struggling and ameliorating their people’s lives.
Today, some women are working tirelessly to build state, peace, revive the education sector, public health and social change. One of those notable leaders is Maryam Qaasim, the former Federal Minister of Social Development, who demonstrated an immense leadership quality and commitment to the betterment of the health sector and education. Maryam made great strides in those sectors within a short period. I also cannot leave out Asha Haji Elmi, a Somali politician and peace activist /member of the Federal parliament. Asha played a crucial role in the promotion of peace and protection of children and women’s rights.
Despite all their struggles, our women remain politically, academically and financially marginalized. It is important that we teach our young generation that Somali women have always been the backbone of their families and their community. Celebrating their self-sacrificing efforts requires much credit and attention. What needs now is to value women’s efforts and remember their sacrifices. Women should be present at decision-making tables in where the decisions are reached. If women bear the birth pang, they can as well lead the nation. We are very conscious that those women are heroes who enhanced peace, progress, and prosperity for our country.
By: Hudda Ibrahim
