Somalia Construction: Women Workers & Boom
- Mogadishu, Somalia, is experiencing a construction boom as it recovers from years of conflict, creating opportunities for women in engineering.
- Abdi, the 24-year-old chief operating officer of Arkan Engineering Services, saeid initial skepticism about women in the field has been a hurdle.
- Ibrahim Abdi Heyle, chairman of the Somali Engineers Association, noted the increased workload in infrastructure, energy, and technology projects.
Witness the transformative power of women leading the Mogadishu construction boom. In a city recovering from conflict, female engineers like Fathi Mohamed Abdi and Saadia Ahmed Omar are at the forefront, driving the construction of a new skyline. this surge has already seen over 6,000 buildings erected in just five years, showcasing the dedication and expertise of these women. Despite facing initial skepticism in a male-dominated field, their resilience is rebuilding a nation. News Directory 3 highlights the crucial role these engineers play, expanding infrastructure, energy, and technology projects. Learn how these women are overcoming challenges and reshaping Somalia’s future with their skills and determination. Discover what’s next for Mogadishu’s reconstruction and these inspiring female pioneers.
Women Engineers Lead Mogadishu’s Reconstruction
Updated June 15, 2025
Mogadishu, Somalia, is experiencing a construction boom as it recovers from years of conflict, creating opportunities for women in engineering. Fathi Mohamed Abdi and Saadia Ahmed Omar are at teh forefront, overseeing the construction of a 10-story apartment complex in the Hodan district.
Abdi, the 24-year-old chief operating officer of Arkan Engineering Services, saeid initial skepticism about women in the field has been a hurdle. Omar, also 24, emphasized the importance of their role in rebuilding Mogadishu, a city scarred by civil war since 1991.
The changing skyline of Mogadishu reflects both progress and the loss of its classical architecture.
Ibrahim Abdi Heyle, chairman of the Somali Engineers Association, noted the increased workload in infrastructure, energy, and technology projects. He said the association actively encourages women’s participation to fill critical workforce gaps.
According to the mayor’s office, more than 6,000 buildings have been constructed in Mogadishu in the past five years. Salah Hassan Omar, the mayor’s spokesperson, attributed this to improved security.
Despite progress,abdi and Omar face challenges. Women make up only 5% of engineers and mentorship opportunities are limited. Omar recalled facing rejection from companies that doubted a woman’s ability to handle the physical demands of engineering.
Today, they are recognized female engineers in Mogadishu, having managed over 30 multimillion-dollar projects. Abdi said the city now boasts taller buildings and modern infrastructure, a contrast to its past.
mogadishu needs us.When I was young, this city was in chaos. Now, we are part of its reconstruction.
— Saadia Ahmed Omar, engineer
What’s next
As Mogadishu continues to rebuild, the role of women engineers like Abdi and Omar will likely expand, driving further advancement and challenging conventional norms in Somalia’s construction industry.