Mogadishu’s building spree boosts the aspirations of women in Somalia

In Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, construction is booming as the city rises from its violent past, providing unexpected opportunities for women like Fathi Mohamed Abdi and Saadia Ahmed Omar. These two young female engineers oversee the construction of a 10-floor apartment complex in the Hodan District, navigating construction sites and issuing instructions to their male workforce. Despite initial doubts and limited opportunities for mentorship, they have become some of the most recognized female engineers in Mogadishu, having overseen more than 30 multimillion-dollar projects. The city’s skyline is transforming, with scars of decades of war giving way to towering office complexes and apartments. The high demand for skilled professionals is leading to a gradual shift in the traditionally male-dominated field, with female engineers actively encouraged to participate in the numerous ongoing projects. However, the rapid urbanization also raises concerns, including the loss of historical character and the structural integrity of buildings. Despite these challenges, Mogadishu’s future looks promising, with ambitions for the city to become a modern model for post-conflict reconstruction.

Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj427dy11j0o