The Transformational Impact of the Nagaad Project in Somalia

In the heart of Somalia, the landscape is shifting. Farhiya and Halima, two remarkable women, stand as testaments to this transformation. They are part of a larger cohort of 583 women engaged in the World Bank-backed Somalia Urban Resilience Project – Phase II, affectionately known as the Nagaad Project. Co-financed by the Somalia Multi-Partner Fund, this initiative is not just about rebuilding infrastructure—it’s about reconstructing lives, redefining gender roles, and instilling hope in a nation that has endured years of conflict.

The Nagaad Project has made astonishing strides, reaching nearly 495,000 lives—51% of whom are women. Picture this: 34 kilometers of revitalized roads adorned with solar lights and intricate drainage systems, a sturdy 145-meter bridge, and renovated flood canals. And it doesn’t stop there; an additional 53 kilometers of road are currently under construction. This effort extends beyond just bricks and mortar; it involves drought response initiatives that have touched over a million lives, largely among displaced populations, many of whom are women.

Yet, amidst these impressive statistics, Halima’s voice emerges, grounded in reality. “For me, it’s not about numbers. It’s about rent money, school fees, and providing food for my children,” she reflects poignantly.

Halima, a mother of seven, once occupied the roles of a tea seller, cleaner, and tailor. “When I first heard about the opportunity in construction,” she recalls, “I was unsure if I had it in me. But my children needed strength and resilience, and I was willing to push through my doubt.”

Her first day on the job remains etched in her memory. “I can still hear the laughter of the men around me when I picked up that shovel,” she shares. “They said I wouldn’t last a week.” But, against all odds, she persevered. So did Farhiya.

Farhiya echoes Halima’s sentiment. “I had to convince myself that if men could excel in this field, then so could I,” she notes, her tone steady and assertive—evidence of a woman who no longer feels the need to justify her presence in a traditionally male-dominated space.

Initially, the labor was grueling. The sun bore down mercilessly as they lifted heavy tools, often accompanied by skeptical glances. However, with time, an inspiring shift occurred. Men who had once questioned their capabilities began to acknowledge them as equals. “They no longer see us as merely trying to do a man’s job,” Farhiya reflects. “They recognize us as fellow workers.”

The Nagaad Project equipped them with invaluable skills—everything from asphalt laying to machinery operation and safety protocols. This training became a lifeline, offering not just employment, but the gift of independence. “This job has breathed life into my existence and filled me with hope,” Halima states emphatically. “Now, I no longer wake up worrying about how to feed my children.”

Mohamed Sheikh Ahmed, a community engagement specialist with the Banaadir Regional Administration, observes the profound change firsthand. “Halima and Farhiya are two of the hardest workers I know,” he asserts. “Their success emphasizes that women can excel in roles traditionally reserved for men. This initiative is about more than just roads; it’s about cultivating a mindset that sees no limits to gender.”

Inspired by their journeys, both women have now taken on the role of mentors. Farhiya dreams of ascending to a site supervisor position, while Halima is passionate about training women who, until recently, may not have envisioned a future in construction. “I aim to be an example for others, proving that women can rise to the top in any field,” Farhiya declares with a spark in her eye.

As they traverse their neighborhoods, their reputations have undergone a remarkable metamorphosis. “At first, my neighbors believed construction was off-limits for women,” Halima states, her head shaking in disbelief. “Now, they seek my guidance on how to get involved!”

With a smile illuminated by the sun’s rays as she gestures toward the road glinting below, she asserts, “There’s no such thing as ‘men’s work’ or ‘women’s work.’ Skill and determination transcend gender.”

And right here, on the bustling streets of Mogadishu, Halima and Farhiya are already rewriting the narrative, laying the groundwork for future generations and proving that when women rise, entire communities flourish.