Women form an integral part of the society. In some communities though, they are forced by cultural practices to play second fiddle to men. The Somali society is one cultural set up where women face many challenges as they strive to make the best of their lives.
In Wajir County, one such lady is Rukia Ahmed; a 25-year-old first female broadcast Journalist who has battled against the odds in a society where men dominate in the field of journalism.
Traditionally, women are to stay at home and look after their families. Many, including women believe that they are inferior to men and that they cannot lead or be heard.
Instead of wallowing in self-pity, she was determined to rise above all obstacles to embody the true strength of a woman. The journey so far has not been easy but one that had moments of despair and hope.
“I grew up dreaming to pursue a career in journalism but I knew it will not be a walk in the park. I was determined though”-Rukia.
She grew up aspiring to be a journalist so as to create awareness about women’s rights through journalism in a town that has a dire history of discrimination against women where for instance early marriages of girls in school is still rampant. Parents attach less value to girls’ access to education because they do not believe in the empowerment of the girl child. Moreover, for some parents it is all about monetary value. For them educating a girl simply enriches her husband’s family while educating a boy is seen as enriching his own family.
“I grew up dreaming to pursue a career in journalism but I knew it will not be a walk in the park. I was determined though” Rukia said.
Rukia had a mission, a goal to disapprove all negative thoughts and practices to pave way for an era where women choose and decide what they want without being forced or discriminated against. After finishing her studies at Kenya School of Mass Communication she got a job with a local radio station where she made her mark in the community.
She did not just get her voice heard but also emerged as an effervescent radio presenter in the neighborhood. She presented topics such as early marriages, drug abuse, and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) practices in the community and used the call-ins to gauge listener’s opinion and draw conclusions.
“At college I met people from different backgrounds. Some who have experienced huge obstacles but had the same aspirations. It kept me strong” she added.
Soon her radio programme had a lot of listeners, she appealed to the Government and non-governmental Organizations to join the fight towards discrimination against women and advocate for gender equality. Her efforts have gone a long way in raising the status of women in the community.
She currently works at Wajir County Government Communications department as a Communications Officer. She presents stories from “grass to grace” of women who began with little, grabbed the opportunities and are taking the road to prosperity.
It has been a few decades since rights bodies started agitating for equality, urging women to grab available opportunities like their male counter parts. While she pays homage to the few women who engineered development projects around the world; it is the prospect of seeing her mates independent and in grins that keeps her moving.
By: Ahmed Hussein
Freelance Journalist at Iwomantoday
Edited By: Fatma Adam
