A quiet revolution is unfolding amid the cranes, scaffolding, and dust of Mogadishu’s rapidly changing skyline. As Somalia’s capital undergoes a building renaissance, women are increasingly stepping into leadership roles in one of the country's most dynamic sectors—construction.

After decades of civil conflict and instability, Somalia is now undergoing a slow but determined recovery. The capital city, once riddled with bullet-scarred buildings and abandoned lots, is experiencing a construction boom fueled by a mix of diaspora investments, private sector growth, and government-led urban renewal efforts. Hotels, office buildings, residential apartments, and malls are rising from what was once rubble, turning Mogadishu into a symbol of resilience and ambition.

Yet, what truly makes this transformation unique is the changing face of those leading the charge. Among these trailblazers is Ayaan Abdirahman, a 29-year-old project manager who began her journey as a part-time assistant on a small building site. “When I first started, I was told that this work wasn’t meant for women,” she recalls. “But I was determined to learn everything, from mixing concrete to interpreting architectural drawings.”

Today, Ayaan manages several mid-rise construction sites in Mogadishu and leads a team of both men and women. Her story is emblematic of a larger shift in Somali society, where women, long relegated to domestic or informal economic roles, are now redefining the parameters of professional success.

In a society deeply rooted in traditional norms, the emergence of women in hard-hat roles is both groundbreaking and symbolic. Gender inequality remains a challenge in Somalia, where cultural expectations, security issues, and limited access to formal education have historically restricted women's economic participation.

However, the tides are turning. According to a recent study by the Somali Women’s Development Centre, female enrollment in technical and vocational education has increased by over 40% in the past three years, particularly in fields such as civil engineering, construction management, and urban planning.

Several NGOs and donor-funded initiatives are working to bridge the gap by offering scholarships, apprenticeships, and mentorship programmes aimed at women. The Mogadishu-based Institute of Engineering and Technology, for example, has introduced a women-only civil engineering track in response to rising interest and demand.

“These young women are not just building structures, they’re building confidence, agency, and new narratives,” says Fatima Noor, a programme coordinator for a local women’s empowerment group. “They are role models for a new Somalia.”

Women’s involvement in the construction sector is also contributing positively to the economy. Somalia’s construction industry, now one of its fastest-growing sectors, employs tens of thousands and is projected to grow by 7% annually, according to the Somali Chamber of Commerce.

Developers say that mixed-gender teams tend to be more detail-oriented and better at managing timelines. “Including women brings new ideas to the table,” says Mohamed Warsame, the CEO of a local construction firm. “We’ve seen better results when we have diverse leadership.”

Another driving force is the Somali diaspora, particularly women returning with international degrees and experience in architecture, design, and engineering. Their remittances and entrepreneurial ventures are helping fuel new developments and create job opportunities for local talent.

Moreover, foreign investors increasingly view gender inclusion as a metric for sustainable development. International funding agencies, such as the African Development Bank and UN-Habitat, are beginning to tie funding to gender equity policies in project implementation.

Mogadishu’s construction boom is about more than bricks and mortar, it is about reshaping identities, reclaiming agency, and reimagining Somalia’s future. In a nation still navigating fragile peace, the sight of women donning helmets and leading site inspections sends a powerful message.

“These women are helping rebuild not just the city, but the nation’s soul,” says Dr. Ahmed Elmi, a sociologist at SIMAD University. “They’re creating a blueprint for an inclusive Somalia—one building, one project, one dream at a time.”

As cranes rise across the city, so too do the aspirations of a new generation of Somali women, determined to claim their place in a future they are actively helping to construct.

Original Report Credit: BBC