Somalia may have terrorists fighting against female empowerment but they're not losing it.
The war-thorn North-African country, Somalia, has produced its first female mechanic, Nasra Haji Hussain Ibrahim. This is despite widespread activities of the dreaded As-Shabaab militants which resisted social engagements of women in the country.
In Somalia, The As-Shabaab militants have been tirelessly fighting to try to establish a social structure which forbids women from engaging in some commercial and social activities including a career as a mechanic. Thus, making Nasra's achievement a ground breaking incidence and she is already creating a name for herself.
Statistics have shown that as of 2016 had an unemployment rate of 66% and for women between 14-29 years old, the rate stands at 74%.
Nasra Haji Hussain Ibrahim has proved that it is still possible to thrive in a Somalia where unemployment continues to force young people to join the region’s terror group Al-Shabaab.
Was she supported in her choice?
In an interview, Nasra said "My family’s feelings and reactions have been very welcoming since the start. They told me that their prayers were accepted and they knew that I am going to be very special."
Despite the conservative nature of the society, Nasra is happy because her family has always supported her work, always encouraging her to continue with her good work.
In terms of the support given to her by the community she said, "The community around me were very surprised when they learned that I am a female mechanic because of the environment we live in and the society didn’t see something similar before, maybe it is because of the conservativeness or the civil wars our country went through."
She attributes the communities surprise to her decision to become a mechanic to the society’s general backwardness and the war.
About her achievements so far and being a role model
Nasra was selected as one of the speakers at TedxMogadishu held in April, 2017. The conference provided talented and ambitious Somalis, like Nasra, to come together and share their inspiring stories.
Ms. Ibrahim also spoke saying, "I work as a mechanic to change the life of my family and my own. I see myself as a role model to other girls in Somalia and the whole world."
Her message to women in Somalia and around the world is to believe in their strength and leave behind their fears, as well as to ignore anyone who is against their development.
"I tell them that they have all the energy, dreams and goals and they can achieve everything."
Her dream is to become a well-known and respected person in Somalia and across the world, and hopes to play an integral part in helping her country get back on its feet.
"I am very ready to do what it takes to partake in that movement to seek peace and justice to all Somalis,” she said.