In a city that’s been scarred by conflict, the clang of hammers and the rumble of heavy machinery bring a new kind of hope — especially when those at the center of the transformation are young women.
At just 24, Fathi Mohamed Abdi and Saadia Ahmed Omar are turning heads as lead engineers on major construction projects in Mogadishu, Somalia’s bustling capital — a city slowly healing after decades of chaos. The two women oversee multistory apartments and commercial buildings alongside their all-male teams — a powerful break from tradition.
‘When I started, people doubted me,’ Fathi said. ‘They would ask, “How can we trust a house built by a woman?”’ But Fathi and Saadia kept proving their ability, turning doubt into growing confidence.
Rebuilding a city from conflict
Mogadishu’s transformation is dramatic. According to the mayor’s office, over 6,000 buildings have gone up in the last five years — a sign of renewal, opportunity, and growing stability. This rebirth is supported by diaspora remittances — 16.7 percent of Somalia’s GDP in 2022 — which are fueling much-needed investment.
‘Mogadishu needs us,’ said Saadia. ‘When I was a kid, this city was in chaos. Now we’re helping to bring it back to life.’
While the threat from the Islamist group al-Shabab still looms, there’s a new feeling of momentum. The growing number of women in a previously male-dominated industry signals a major step forward — not just for the city’s future but for gender equality as well.
Breaking down barriers
About 95 percent of Somali engineers are men, making Fathi and Saadia trailblazers.
‘I applied for internships for months before someone gave me a chance,’ Saadia said. ‘Most companies didn’t believe a woman could handle the physical side of engineering.’
Today, both women are delivering major projects that follow official standards and regulations — opening doors for more women to follow their lead.
‘There’s so much work and not enough professionals,’ Saadia added. ‘That means there’s space for us to grow and contribute.’
Ibrahim Abdi Heyle, chairman of the Somali Engineers Association, agrees. ‘We need their expertise, their creativity — their perspectives. The industry can’t move forward without them.’
Balancing progress with preserving history
Some locals, however, say that much is being lost amid the rush to rebuild.
‘The city’s Italian-era architecture is disappearing,’ said veteran architect Siidow Cabdulle Boolaay. ‘Today’s buildings are rushed and often less safe, constructed with poor materials, weak foundations, or faulty wiring.’
He stressed the need for strong regulations and oversight. The city’s mayoral spokesperson, Salah Hassan Omar, admits there’s a long way to go: ‘Some problems can’t be undone — but we’re putting controls in place to make sure future buildings follow standards.’
Rapid growth brings new worries
Mogadishu’s growing population, driven by conflict and climate-related displacement, is adding pressure to its weak infrastructure. Without a modern sewage system, each new high-rise digs its own borehole — a practice that degrades groundwater and poses a growing health risk.
‘If we’re not careful, we could face a water crisis,’ said Christophe Hodder, the UN’s climate and environmental expert in Somalia. ‘Some areas already have 10 or 20 boreholes. It’s not sustainable in the long term.’
International aid is underway to help the city construct a proper sewage network — a delicate and unpopular process, requiring the removal of many new buildings.
Turning chaos into renewal
In spite of these struggles, there’s a powerful thread tying together the people of Mogadishu — a deep resolve to rebuild their city, their future, and their lives.
‘Explosions happened, but our dreams did not fade,’ said Ibrahim Abdi Heyle. ‘We’re reviving an industry that fell silent 30 years ago. That’s a powerful symbol of hope.’
Saadia agrees. ‘When I walk through Mogadishu and see the buildings I helped construct, I feel proud,’ she said. ‘We’re not just putting up walls — we’re rebuilding our future. And we’re proving that women can lead while we do it.’
