Sun, 15 Jun 2025

Sun, 15 Jun 2025 The women at the centre of Somalia's construction boom

Mogadishu's rapid expansion after decades of war is giving unexpected opportunities in a male-dominated society.
Construction Boom in Mogadishu
* Construction is booming in Somalia's capital city, with over 6,000 buildings constructed in the last five years.
* The boom has been driven by diaspora investments and improved security. Empowerment of Women in Engineering
* Despite being a male-dominated society, women are increasingly taking on roles in engineering, including Fathi Mohamed Abdi and Saadia Ahmed Omar.
* Only 5% of engineers are women, but the demand for skilled professionals is creating opportunities for them to enter the field.
* The Somali Engineers Association encourages greater participation from women, recognizing that they bring diverse perspectives and innovative solutions. Challenges Facing Mogadishu
* The rapid urbanization has exposed Mogadishu to infrastructure challenges, including a lack of proper sewage system and unregulated borehole drilling.
* Unchecked construction could lead to long-term environmental consequences, including water management crises.
* The government is working on implementing new regulations, but follow-up checks are often lacking due to the speed of the building boom. Pioneering Women in Engineering
* Fathi Mohamed Abdi and Saadia Ahmed Omar have graduated from Plasma University Mogadishu's faculty of civil engineering and lead their own firm.
* They believe that women can not only design buildings but also lead projects and shape the city, and are proud to be part of the new generation of engineers in Somalia. Future Plans for Mogadishu
* The government is working on implementing urban development regulations and improving infrastructure to ensure sustainable growth.
* The Somali Engineers Association aims to make Mogadishu a model post-conflict reconstruction city within five years.
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