As I embarked on this journey of my six-month research on gender inclusion in entrepreneurship, little did I know that my personal experiences would lead me to uncover a world of perceptions and challenges surrounding Somali women entrepreneurs. Throughout my experience as The Next Economy (TNE) Gender Knowledge Fellow, I delved deep into the struggles faced by remarkable women entrepreneurs, and my perspective shifted significantly. First, allow me to introduce myself: I am Bahja Ali Shuriye, a Gender Fellow affiliated with Crosswise Works. Presently, I am the Head of Women Enterprises Development at SIMAD iLab. I am honored to have been awarded this Gender Knowledge Fellowship for the second year in a row. This fellowship provides a platform for selected fellows from Nigeria, Mali, and Somalia to exchange knowledge, fostering a culture of learning through devoted research efforts. The fellowship has given me the unique ability to facilitate my learning journey and provided me with the opportunity to explore the key topics around women's struggles in Somalia, which is why I am so excited to be a part of it.
Reflecting on my experience, I realized that the majority of women entrepreneurs I had met were SME owners in the informal sector. Their resilience and resourcefulness are admirable. The formal Somali business sector seems distant, almost detached from those women I got to know. Before meeting them, I was unaware of the perceptual obstacles that gather around women entrepreneurs in this context.
During my six-month research project, my eyes were opened to a stark reality. Numerous negative stereotypes and prejudices persistently hinder the progress and recognition of Somali women in the entrepreneurial landscape. The weight of these biases is immense, affecting not only their personal development but also discouraging their entrepreneurial ambitions and dreams.
Let me tell you the story of Deeqa Ahmed, a determined Somali woman who defied all odds to pursue her dream business. When she started, almost everyone doubted her chances of success in business. Some even tried to convince her mom that she should work in a small shop with her sister instead, thinking investing in her venture would be too risky and beyond her capabilities. But Deeqa believed in herself and her long-term vision for the women’s fashion dress industry by building one of the city's leading brands. Six years later, Deeqa celebrates a significant milestone - her business is thriving with impressive profits and a robust brand identity. She had her own unique strategies and an unwavering belief in her abilities, showing all those who were skeptical wrong. Her journey represents the resilience of Somali women in breaking barriers and challenging misconceptions.
Deeqa's story, on the other hand, also highlights the need for more support for Somali women entrepreneurs. Through my research, I've identified the common misconceptions Somali women entrepreneurs face and the essential actions needed to empower them. Through desk research, interviews with women entrepreneurs and ESO leaders, and focus group discussions with the general public, I gained a comprehensive understanding of the challenges women face with regard to public perceptions. Here is what I've learned. Wanna read more, find it here.
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