Breaking Barriers and Building Equality: A Journey in Promoting Gender Inclusion in Somalia
In the face of adversity, there are women who dedicate their lives to creating positive change. The UNDP Women in Crisis Settings series showcases the incredible career journeys of six resilient women who work in some of the most challenging environments on the planet. These stories of determination and perseverance highlight the extraordinary resilience required to navigate crises while also showcasing the profound impact their work has on communities in need. From conflict zones to disaster-stricken areas, these women not only endure but thrive, adapting swiftly and leading with unwavering commitment.
Before building a career centered around promoting gender equality and steering gender-sensitive development programming, proving myself in male-dominated settings shaped both my professional and personal journey. My career began in the private sector in a company called Eagleflex Abrasives Co., where I was one of the few women in a company predominantly staffed by men and held a managerial position. Such a role for a woman was uncommon. Despite initial resistance, through my professional work and engagement, I managed to break down barriers, ultimately earning respect and recognition for my achievements.
This formative experience paved the way for my transition into the humanitarian field, where I worked for the first time with Catholic Relief Services (CRS). It was here that I realized my passion for improving human lives, rather than pursuing profit. This insight inspired me to pursue a master’s degree in Development Administration and Planning at the University of London.
In 2003, I embarked on my United Nations journey with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency in Palestine (UNRWA),where I contributed to various humanitarian and development efforts, including job creation projects. In 2007, I joined the UNDP Programme of Assistance to the Palestinian People, serving as both Programme Manager and Gender Specialist. After 13 fulfilling years with UNDP in Palestine, I transitioned to an international position in 2020, amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, when I joined UNDP Somalia,. Today, I continue my efforts to advance gender-focused initiatives in conflict and crisis settings.
Driving Gender Integration in UNDP Somalia
For the past four years, I have served as a Gender Advisor and Programme Specialist at UNDP Somalia, working across all programs and portfolios to ensure and enhance gender integration. One of the key initiatives I lead is the country office Gender Task Team, which meets monthly to discuss gender-related topics, strategies for mainstreaming gender in projects and operations, successes, obstacles, and new tools, as well as issues related to gender equality. In Somalia, UNDP’s portfolio covers a range of areas including inclusive politics, Rule of law, economic recovery and institution-building, resilience, and climate change.
As a Palestinian and Muslim working in Somalia, my background has been an added value, allowing me to navigate and respect local cultural and religious sensitivities with greater ease, particularly when addressing gender. This approach has been very much welcomed by both colleagues and partners. It’s important not to impose solutions in a top-down manner. For me, this starts with how ideas are communicated. In Somalia, a country with a rich culture deeply rooted in oral traditions and poetry . By framing interventions as stories, I engage the local community in a way that resonates with them, which makes it much more likely for ideas to be accepted. Furthermore, in a context where the term “gender” can be met with resistance, I often use alternative terms like “women and girls’ empowerment.”
I can say, I understand the cultural sensitivities surrounding gender in Somalia. My deep connection with Islam allows me to engage in discussions on equal footing, even when sensitive topics like the intersection of religion and gender roles arise. In these situations, I rely on my knowledge of the Quran and, when needed, consult with religious scholars. I recall several instances where issues framed as religious were, in fact, rooted in social norms and culture. By applying behavioral insights such as positive deviance and actively listening, I’ve been able to advance gender equality effectively.
Promoting gender equality must also begin within the organization itself. When I arrived in Somalia, I realized that the same principles we champion externally had yet to be fully embraced internally. I worked closely with colleagues to create a more inclusive office environment, while also ensuring that our projects and programs reflected these values.
Adapting to Local Contexts with Cultural Sensitivity
My general approach during my time in Somalia has been to avoid generalizations and instead embrace the specificity of each situation. This was not easy at all, I found myself in difficult situations a lot. One key principle I always adhere to is: never accept for others what I would not accept for myself. I constantly remind myself of how I felt when I was working in the UN system in my own country , as a national staff member, and considered what I would have liked or disliked in similar circumstances. With this in mind, I made it a priority to respect local customs. For example, the dress code in the office to show my respect for Somali norms. In doing so, I have found that I shift the focus — from being observed for how I look, to being heard for what I say.
Adjusting to life in Somalia has required significant adaptation. Living mostly confined to a compound and following strict rules has limited simple pleasures like cooking, as I now eat at scheduled times, much like in a dormitory. While this wasn’t entirely unexpected, it wasn’t easy either. Before arriving, I conducted thorough research and spoke with others who had experience in Somalia. Though challenging at first, I gradually learned how to navigate these constraints more effectively over time.
Growing up in Palestine, I’ve developed strong resilience and an ability to adapt to any environment. Given the country’s context, I often spend long hours in transportation, waiting at checkpoints. One habit I’ve developed is carrying items for both my mind and body — snacks like almonds or cucumbers, a book, and sometimes even my embroidery set. This practice has taught me patience, a virtue that shapes everything I do. Rather than dwelling on problems, I focus on solutions, aiming to understand the root causes of challenges and asking myself: What aspects can I control? This mindset is key in tackling the difficulties I face in my work.
Navigating Life and Work in a Crisis Setting
While I brought some useful habits with me, I’ve also had to cultivate new ones, especially when it comes to balancing life and work. During my first year, I became completely consumed by my job and soon realized that this approach wasn’t sustainable. I began by setting aside five days for working in the office, one day for self-care and personal time, and the last day for remote work and socializing. On Fridays, I go to the mosque to pray with colleagues, and in the afternoons, I dedicate time to art, handicrafts, and reading. I keep half of my Saturdays free for spontaneous activities, though I often spend part of the day walking on the beach or socializing. I’ve also developed healthier morning routines, swimming daily and going to the gym at least three times a week.
Even in a crisis setting, you can still enjoy simple communal moments. For my birthday, I buy a cake and invite my friends to celebrate. Whenever I return home, I collect small gifts for occasions like New Years, Christmas, Eid, or birthdays, and keep them in a box for later. Outside of work, I’ve built a strong personal network with people from different compounds, allowing us to relax together without the pressures of the job. This year, I even organized a Rest and Recuperation trip to Zanzibar, telling my colleagues, “This trip is not about work — I want to have fun.” The relationships I’ve fostered also mean supporting each other in difficult times. When my colleagues face challenges, I make time to sit with them, listen, and offer help. I also try to uplift my team by wearing colorful outfits or simply keeping a positive attitude with a smile.
Advice for Those Embarking on a Similar Path
In closing, one piece of advice I would give to anyone who envisions themselves embarking on an assignment like this, is to familiarize yourself with the context you are entering. Before you go, make sure to talk to people who have been stationed in the area, and conduct your own research. Be prepared for both positive and negative aspects of the assignment. Additionally, learn from colleagues from different countries with different cultures and habits. Life is not a simple mathematical equation with a set outcome. There is a lot of unpredictability in this context, and you need to be ready to adapt to it. This also means familiarizing yourself with — and adhering to the established safety measures and security protocols. There is no cutting corners when it comes to security. While we cannot just walk into a coffee shop, that does not mean we have to give up the joy of sharing coffee. I bring out my colorful coffee cups, serve nuts, light a candle, and suddenly I have created something even better. Not everything needs to come pre-made — sometimes, we create the life we want.
Coming to Somalia, I have discovered things about myself that I never would have otherwise. The version of myself that I am here is one I would never have come to know if I hadn’t come to Somalia. I realized my capacity and skills in a completely new way, and I am fulfilled, knowing that I am able to create change and inspire those around me. This is probably one of the greatest rewards from an experience like this, and the reason I would encourage anyone who feels inspired to take the step and apply.
