The women at the centre of Somalia's construction boom

Somalia is undergoing a construction boom, with ambitious projects underway and international investors flocking in.

Despite these promising developments, women in Somalia continue to be largely excluded from the lucrative construction industry. The sector is heavily male-dominated, with women rarely seen as a force in the field. However, a group of ambitious and determined women is striving to change this perception.

Driving the transformation

Nafiso Mohamed Ahmed, better known as Nafiso Architects, is one of the trailblazers leading the way. With over a decade of experience in the industry, Nafiso is passionate about using architecture to empower women and promote gender equality.

She explains, "I want to break the stigma that architecture is a profession only for men. I want to see more women not only in the field but also as the clients and decision-makers of these projects."

A breath of fresh air

Amal Hussein, a civil engineer, echoes Nafiso's sentiments. "It's challenging being a woman in this field, but it's rewarding when you can make a meaningful impact and be a part of something bigger than yourself.

"I want people, especially young girls, to see me and know that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. We belong here as much as anyone else."

A quiet revolution

These women and others like them are determined to shake things up and seize the opportunities presented by Somalia's construction boom. They are making their mark, challenging stereotypes, and inspiring future generations of women in the industry.

As Nafiso puts it, "We may be a quiet revolution, but we are determined to make our voices heard and our presence felt. This is only the beginning."