The Somali Boom Boom in Mogadish gives women high ambitions

Construction blooms in the capital of Somalia, and when Mogadish literally rises from the ashes of his violent past, he also provides unexpected opportunities for women such as Fati Mohammed Abdia and Saadia Ahmed Omar.

Two young female engineers wore a 10-ended residential complex in Tales in the Hodana city area.

Having carried hard hats, they move through the building material, releasing the instructions of the team of workers – they are all men.

“When I started, people doubted me,” says 24-year-old Ms. Abda, Chief Operational Director of the Arkan Engineering Services Engineering Service, the BBC reports.

“They would ask,” How can we trust a woman built? ” How can I trust my money and property with a young engineer? “

She and her colleague Ms Omar have been practicing engineers over the past five years.

“We need Mogodish,” says Ms Amar, who is also 24. – When I was young, this city was in chaos. Now we are in its reconstruction. “

Somali, a former Italian colony, survived a long period of civil war after the Presidential Barre government collapsed in January 1991.

Even now, the scars of the decades of the war are still visible – as in the central district of Shanggan where there are bombed buildings. But the ruins become hidden or replaced by high office complexes and apartments, as well as horizon, scattered with taps and forests.

Both young women were born during a civil war and grew up, watching the fragmentation of their country. While many Somalis decided to leave, they remained, and moved from the recovery, despite the fact that al-Shabab was a rebellion that caused al-Shabab.

“I think the part of the reason that women get more likely in the field is that there is so much work and it lacks professionals to do it. It creates a space for us,” says Ms Amar.

Ibrahim Abda Hail, chairman of the Somali engineers’ Association, agrees with high demand for skilled specialists, leads to changes – even if slowly in a society dominated by men who prevail in Somalia.

“With the help of numerous permanent infrastructure, energy and technological projects, the load has increased significantly. As a result, the association actively encourages women, emphasizing that they are not only welcome but also vital in filling critical gaps,” the 34-year-old boy says.

“The association suggests that expanding women’s capabilities in the field of technology not only helps to meet growing demand, but also brings different prospects and innovative solutions for the industry.”

According to the mayor Mogadish’s office, over 6,000 buildings have been built over the past five years, which marks significant changes in the city landscape.

“Mogadish’s security improved, which led to an increase in multi-storey and commercial buildings,” says Salah Hassan Omar, the mayor spokesman.

However, this was not an easy way for Ms Abda and Ms Amar, because only 5% of engineers – women – and they often find opportunities for mentoring, little.

“When I applied for an internship, most companies rejected me,” Ms Amar recalls. “They didn’t think a woman could handle the physical requirements of the technique. I was looking for three months before someone finally gave me a chance.”

Today, they are some of the most recognized engineers in Mogadish, who controlled more than 30 multimillion -dollar projects.

“Higher buildings and modern infrastructure are now living in the city, which is a sharp contrast with Mogadishu the past,” says Ms. Abd.

But not everyone is satisfied with the transformation. Veteran -architer Siidow Cabdulle Boolaay complains about the loss of the city’s historical character.

“The buildings that once adorned Somali before the war were not only beautiful, but also attracted attention because of their architecture of Italian style, which was rare at the time,” he says the BBC. “Mogadysh city planning was very structured.”

Mr -n Boolaay also also has security problems: “The sand used in Mogadish buildings is salty, which undermines its effectiveness.”

Sand from the long coastline of Somalia is often used to make cement – practice, which usually prevents and, in many circumstances, limited by international construction standards, since high salt content can cause steel corrosion.

“These high buildings are not designed to resist fire or heavy rain, and the security for tenants is not considered during development. Many of these buildings lack fire extinguishers and proper electrical installations,” he adds – clearly disappointed.

He is cautious about the pace with which the buildings are being built, which, he said, violates quality control.

For many years, there have been no rules that led to the concern of their structural integrity.

Mr. Omar from the mayor’s office confesses that it was so till three years ago – and says that nothing can be done with these buildings.

But he insists that there is “quality control now, and no one will build a building without it.”

“We (also) prepare new laws that clearly determine where the multi -storey buildings can be built and only houses should be built.”

However, there is a concern that while the rules exist – there is often no check -up at the speed of the construction boom.

Ms. Abdi and Ms Amar, who graduated from the Mogadish University Civil Construction Faculty, say that all their projects were approved by local authorities.

The rapid growth of construction projects was related to the investment of the diaspora, as well as improved security – although Islamist militants that control large spots of Southern Somalia are still focusing on the city.

According to the World Bank, the remittances accounted for 16.7% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2022 – what made the architects and engineers.

But rapid urbanization also subjected Mogadishu on infrastructure problems – it lacks a proper sewer system and an unregulated storm risks that deplete groundwater reserves.

Christoph Hodod, an adviser on climate and environmental safety, warns that uncontrolled boom boom can lead to long-term environmental consequences.

“We need a coordinated approach to water management, or we run the risk of the crisis in the future. Each new building is dripping its own well … There may be 10 or 20 wells in a small space,” he said BBC.

The government in partnership with international organizations is working on a new sewerage system, but its implementation may require the demolition of existing buildings – a contradictory step that can suppress residents and enterprises.

Mr. Hodod adds that Mogadishu has a high population density – people who entered the city of drought and conflicts.

He says an increase in urban population, especially in the slum areas, can increase poverty and social disparities.

Despite these problems, Mogadish’s future looks promising. The city seeks to implement cities development, improve infrastructure and ensure sustainable growth.

Even the Blasts of the Islamist Armed Group Al -Shabab – whose fighters tend to focus on plush hotels that often occupy politicians – do not carefully put the enthusiasm of the Somali engineers association.

Mr. Hale admits that it can upset architects and engineers whose buildings are destroyed, but notes that the Somalis became elastic – especially those who study engineering.

“A lot of bombings happened; our dreams did not stop on it. Today we revive the engineering profession that fell apart 30 years ago. It means there is hope.”

And the ambition is that in five years, Mogadish will be not only a modern city, but also a model reconstruction after confiscation.

“I believe that Mogadishha is a different city compared to the 1990s; the city has changed to a new style, and Magadish’s development is in line with the new world,” says Ms Omar.

“When I walk the streets and see the buildings, I helped build, I feel proud. We don’t just build structures; we build hope.”

Ms. Abdi agrees, adding: “We prove that women can not only design buildings, but also conduct projects and form the city.”