Mogadishu, the capital city of Somalia, is undergoing a significant transformation as construction activity flourishes, offering unprecedented opportunities for women. Engineers Fathi Mohamed Abdi and Saadia Ahmed Omar are at the forefront of this development, supervising the construction of a ten-storey apartment complex in the Hodan District. Both women, in their mid-20s, navigate the bustling site, directing a team of mostly male workers while defying traditional gender roles.
“When I started, people doubted me,” shares Ms. Abdi, who serves as the chief operating officer of Arkan Engineering Services, a Somali-owned construction firm. “They would ask, ‘How can we trust a house built by a woman? How can I trust my money and property with a young female engineer?’” Despite the skepticism, both women have spent five years honing their skills and are now key players in Mogadishu’s reconstruction.
A city in recovery
Mogadishu’s revival is a stark contrast to the chaos that characterized the city during the civil war that erupted in the early 1990s. The city is witnessing a construction boom, with over 6,000 new buildings erected in the past five years alone, as noted by the mayor’s office. “Security in Mogadishu has improved, leading to an increase in high-rise and commercial buildings,” remarks Salah Hassan Omar, the spokesperson for the mayor.
Both Ms. Abdi and Ms. Omar, who were born during the civil war, chose to remain in Somalia rather than seek opportunities abroad. Their determination is fueled by a desire to contribute to their city’s reconstruction. “Mogadishu needs us,” declares Ms. Omar, reflecting on how far the city has come.
Challenges in the construction sector
While the increase in construction projects presents opportunities for women in engineering, they still represent only 5% of the engineering workforce in Somalia. Ms. Omar recalls the difficulties she faced while seeking internships: “When I applied for internships, most companies rejected me. They didn’t think a woman could handle the physical demands of engineering.” However, as demand for skilled professionals grows, the Somali Engineers Association is advocating for more female participation in the industry.
“Empowering women in engineering not only helps meet the growing demand but also brings diverse perspectives and innovative solutions to the industry,” asserts Ibrahim Abdi Heyle, the chairman of the association.
Despite these advancements, some voices express concern about the rapid pace of construction and its potential consequences. Veteran architect Siidow Cabdulle Boolaay warns that many new buildings lack quality and safety standards. “These tall buildings are not designed to withstand fire or heavy rain, and safety for the tenants is not considered during development,” he states, highlighting the use of salty sand in construction.
In light of these challenges, the government is working with international organizations to establish regulations that will ensure quality control in future building projects. As part of these efforts, they are also developing a new sewage system to address the city’s infrastructure issues, which are exacerbated by the rapid urbanization.
Despite the obstacles, the future appears promising for Mogadishu. The construction boom is fueled by investments from the diaspora and a strong desire among locals to revitalize their city post-conflict. “We are not just building structures; we are building hope,” reflects Ms. Abdi, who, along with Ms. Omar, has overseen more than 30 multimillion-dollar projects.
As Mogadishu continues to evolve, the ambitions of its women engineers serve as a beacon of hope for the city’s future, aiming to transform it into a model for urban development in post-conflict settings.