Amid Explosions and Controversy, Somali Women Defy Odds in Groundbreaking Beauty Pageant

On a night when most of Somalia tuned in to the Euro football final, a very different kind of spectacle unfolded at Mogadishu’s Elite Hotel. Hundreds gathered to witness the Miss Somalia pageant, a daring celebration of beauty and resilience in one of the world’s most dangerous places to be a woman. Just a kilometer away, the grim reality of Somali life was underscored by a car bomb explosion that killed five and injured twenty. The militant group al-Shabab, notorious for its reign of terror over Somalia, claimed responsibility for the attack.

The juxtaposition of a beauty pageant with such violence highlights the schizophrenic nature of life in Somalia. While pageant contestants paraded in glamorous gowns, the nearby explosion shattered the night, a stark reminder of the pervasive threat of terrorism. This contrast paints a vivid picture of a nation grappling with its identity and future.

Hani Abdi Gas, founded the competition in 2021. In a country where Islamist militants and conservative traditions dominate, her initiative is nothing short of revolutionary. Gas, who grew up in the Dadaab refugee camp in Kenya before returning to Somalia in 2020, sees the pageant as more than a beauty contest. It’s a platform for lifting women’s voices, fostering unity, and empowering Somali women.

Gas believes that Somalia, long deemed one of the worst places to be a woman, is ready to join the rest of the world in celebrating female beauty and aspiration. “I want to celebrate the aspirations of women from diverse backgrounds, build their confidence, and give them a chance to showcase Somali culture worldwide,” she said.

This year’s contestants reflected this diversity. Among them was a policewoman, a powerful symbol of women breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated society. However, not everyone was pleased. Many Somalis view beauty pageants as affronts to their culture and religion. Clan leader Ahmed Abdi Halane expressed disgust, saying, “Such things are against our culture and our religion. If a girl wears tight clothes and appears on stage, it will bring shame upon her family and her clan. Women are supposed to stay at home and wear modest clothes.”

Some women also oppose the pageant. Sabrina, a student, criticized the contestants for appearing in public without covering their necks, saying, “It is good to support the Somali youth but not in ways that conflict with our religion.”

Despite these criticisms, the pageant proceeded with its vibrant display of Somali culture. Aisha Ikow, a 24-year-old university student and make-up artist, was crowned Miss Somalia, taking home a $1,000 prize. Ikow, representing South-West state, vowed to use her platform to combat early marriage and promote girls’ education. “The competition celebrates Somali culture and beauty while shaping a brighter future for women,” she said.

The judging panel, which included Miss Somalia 2022 and a representative from the Ministry of Youth, found it hard to choose a winner. They assessed contestants on physical beauty, public speaking, and stage presence. An online vote, costing $1 per vote, funded the event and future international pageant participation.

The glitzy event in a luxury hotel contrasted sharply with the harsh realities faced by most Somali women. Four million Somalis, a quarter of the population, are internally displaced, with up to 80% being women. The UN ranks Somalia near the bottom on the Gender Inequality Index, with alarming rates of gender-based violence and female genital mutilation. Traditional practices still dictate that a rapist must marry his victim, and legal protections for women are severely lacking.

Despite these challenges, the Miss Somalia pageant signifies a slow but significant change. The fact that such an event could be held in Mogadishu, even amid nearby violence, indicates a shift in societal attitudes and an improvement in security.

The crowd at the Elite Hotel stayed until the early hours, undeterred by the attack’s proximity. They were engrossed in the pageant, the sound of the explosion drowned out by the waves crashing on the nearby beach.

In a nation torn by conflict and conservative values, the Miss Somalia pageant stands as a beacon of hope. It is a testament to the resilience of Somali women and their determination to carve out spaces of empowerment and celebration. As Somalia continues to navigate its complex identity, events like these are crucial in shaping a more inclusive and progressive future.

Kiin Hassan Fakat, reporting with Bilan Media, and Mary Harper, author of two books on Somalia, provide a lens into this transformative moment, capturing the courage and aspirations of Somali women amidst a backdrop of turmoil.

Defying Odds, Challenging Expectations, and Seizing Dreams in Somaliland’s Political Arena

BY SANCAANI III:

To those who have known the sting of rejection, the weight of discrimination, and the agony of being denied a seat at the table, this message is for you. It’s for the fighters, the dreamers, and the relentless souls who refuse to be confined by society’s limitations. Today, we stand with Abdulahi IIman Darawal, the embodiment of resilience and determination, as he charts a path forward despite the obstacles in his way.

Abdulahi IIman Darawal, the chairman of the Horseed political party, has faced a relentless barrage of discrimination since 2012. But his journey is not defined by the setbacks he has encountered; rather, it is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the underdog, the unwavering belief that greatness can be achieved against all odds.

For those who have been written off, misunderstood, and told they wouldn’t make it, Darawal’s story serves as a beacon of hope. It’s a reminder that adversity is not a barrier to success but a catalyst for greatness. In the face of doubt and fear, Darawal has remained steadfast in his pursuit of a better future for Somaliland.

As an underdog, Darawal has been told he’s not enough, that he’s too small, too slow, too inexperienced. But therein lies the beauty of being an underdog – there’s nothing to lose, only everything to gain. Every setback, every rejection, fuels the fire within, propelling Darawal forward on his quest for change.

The underdog mentality is not a disadvantage; it’s a source of strength. It’s about turning setbacks into fuel, using adversity as a stepping stone to greatness. Darawal’s journey mirrors that of some of the most successful individuals in the world – those who started from nothing, overlooked and underestimated, but rose to the top through sheer determination and resilience.

In the face of discrimination and adversity, Darawal stands tall, armed with nothing but his dreams and his unwavering determination. He refuses to let setbacks define him, to let others’ opinions shape his reality. Instead, he harnesses the power of the underdog mentality – the hunger, the drive, the willingness to do whatever it takes to achieve his dreams.

To Abdulahi IIman Darawal and all those who have been overlooked, underestimated, and counted out, remember this: the underdog always has the advantage because they’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain. It’s time to embrace the underdog mentality, to climb that hill, to prove everyone wrong, and to show the world what you’re made of.

In the face of adversity, in the face of everyone who said you couldn’t, arm yourself with the underdog spirit and unleash your full potential. Abdulahi IIman Darawal, and all those denied, the time is now to seize your dreams, defy expectations, and write your own destiny. The world is waiting – go out there and claim what’s rightfully yours.