In Mogadishu, Somalia, a remarkable shift is taking place in the construction industry. Women like Fathi Mohamed Abdi and Saadia Ahmed Omar are stepping into roles that were once dominated by men. These two young engineers are leading the way as they oversee the building of a ten-story apartment complex in the Hodan District.
At just 24 years old, both women have been in the engineering field for five years. They wear hard hats and bright vests as they manage a team of male workers. Ms. Abdi, who is the chief operating officer of Arkan Engineering Services, recalls how people doubted her abilities when she first started. “They would ask, ‘How can we trust a house built by a woman?’” she shares. Despite the skepticism, both women are committed to their work. Ms. Omar reflects on her childhood in a chaotic Mogadishu, stating, “Now, we are part of its reconstruction.”
Somalia has seen years of civil war, especially after the government collapsed in 1991. The scars of that conflict are still visible, yet the city is slowly rising from its troubled past. Today, cranes and scaffolding dot the skyline, as more than 6,000 buildings have been constructed in the last five years. This surge in construction has created a demand for skilled professionals, opening doors for women in a traditionally male-dominated field.
Ibrahim Abdi Heyle, chairman of the Somali Engineers Association, notes that the need for skilled workers is changing the landscape for women in engineering. He emphasizes that women are essential for filling gaps in the workforce. The association actively encourages their participation, as they bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas.
However, the journey for Ms. Abdi and Ms. Omar has not been without challenges. Despite their success, only 5% of engineers in Somalia are women. Ms. Omar recalls her struggles to secure internships, facing many rejections simply because of her gender. Yet, today, she and Ms. Abdi are recognized for overseeing multimillion-dollar projects, a significant achievement in a city that is rapidly modernizing.
While many celebrate this progress, some worry about the loss of Mogadishu’s historical character. Veteran architect Siidow Cabdulle Boolaay expresses concern over the quality of new buildings, pointing out that many lack proper safety measures and are built using salty sand, which can weaken structures. He fears that the city’s unique architectural heritage is fading away.
The rapid growth in construction has also highlighted infrastructure challenges. Mogadishu lacks a proper sewage system, and unregulated drilling threatens groundwater supplies. Experts warn that without a coordinated approach to water management, the city could face significant environmental issues in the future.
Despite these concerns, the overall outlook for Mogadishu appears hopeful. The government is working with international organizations to improve infrastructure and implement urban development regulations. Ms. Abdi and Ms. Omar are optimistic about the future. They believe that their work is more than just constructing buildings; it’s about building hope for their community.
As the city continues to grow, these women are proving that they can lead and shape the future of Mogadishu. Their determination and hard work are paving the way for more women in engineering, showing that they can indeed make a difference in their country’s reconstruction.