Lighting the Path for Somali Women in Government: Ann and Amina’s Inspiring Journeys

Ann Collins understood from the outset that creating an inclusive civil service in Somalia is no small feat. As Component Lead for the Civil Service Reform workstream under the Public Resource Management in Somalia Phase 2 (PREMIS2) programme, she witnessed firsthand how determined, capable women were sidelined by persistent cultural perceptions. Even the most progressive recruitment policies and human resources frameworks often faltered against long-held beliefs about a woman’s “place,” both within the home and the workplace.

Yet Ann was convinced that these deep-rooted barriers could be challenged. To complement the existing legislative and technical reforms being implemented by PREMIS2, she designed the Women in Government (WiG) programme as a holistic initiative that combined structured training with peer learning, mentorship, and practical skill-building. Participants received formal instruction in management and leadership, presentation skills, conflict resolution, and performance management, ensuring they had the technical expertise needed to navigate government structures. At the same time, WiG fostered a dynamic, interactive space where women could share experiences, develop assertive communication skills, and learn strategies for managing workplace challenges, such as stress management, stakeholder engagement, and ‘managing upwards.’ The programme also introduced role models who had overcome similar barriers, reinforcing the idea that advancement was possible. This multi-faceted approach didn’t just equip participants with new competencies—it also provided them with a strong sense of community and support, reminding them that they were not alone in wanting more from their professional lives.

Amina Mohamed Farah’s path exemplifies this transformation. When Amina first joined WiG, she was a capable civil servant who, like many of her peers, lacked confidence in the workplace. The workshops and candid group discussions provided her with the tools and support to build her confidence, helping her to engage more assertively in her role. Over time, she ascended to the position of Civil Service Commissioner in Galmudug State, a role where challenges often outnumber easy victories. Even with her title and experience, she continues to face cultural assumptions about women in leadership. But whenever she encounters those barriers, she draws on her WiG training and the support of her fellow alumnae. Amina has returned to WiG events as a speaker, determined to see other Somali women stride past the obstacles that still dominate Somali work environments.

Despite this steady progress, the wider environment in Somalia remains daunting for many women: female civil servants still grapple with a culture that can question their ambition, second-guess their authority, and overlook their talent. Family and community pressures often make it difficult to travel for trainings or to take on heavier responsibilities at work.

But WiG’s growing impact has begun to erode some of these entrenched norms within government authorities. Word of the programme has spread, and senior managers who were once skeptical of women’s leadership now point to better teamwork and fresh perspectives in the workplace. Women from different states and various departments stay connected through lively WhatsApp groups, sharing encouragement and practical solutions. Under Ann’s guidance, WiG is also training civil servants—many of them former participants— so they can expand the programme to more corners of Somali government.

Ann and Amina remain hopeful. They acknowledge that the road ahead is long, lined with deeply held stereotypes and resource constraints. But every time a new cohort of women speaks up in a meeting, competes for a promotion, or tackles a project once considered ‘off limits’, they see meaningful change taking place. Their journeys remind us that while the challenges are substantial, they are not insurmountable—and that each story of courage and achievement lays a foundation for the next generation of women in Somalia’s civil service.