MOGADISHU, SOMALIA — A remarkable evolution is unfolding in Somalia, where women’s football is gradually emerging as a legitimate sport in a society that was once skeptical of such activities.
In a nation where the conservative nature and recent conflicts had stifled such entertainment, particularly for women, a recent match in Mogadishu’s stadium witnessed hundreds of fans cheering on young female footballers. The event marked a stark contrast to the days when the Al-Qaeda-affiliated group Al-Shabaab threatened to disrupt gatherings like these, viewing football, especially when played by women, as taboo.
The security situation has notably improved, allowing for events like the match to take place without fear of interruption. The Ilays women’s team, which triumphed over Nasiib with a 5-0 victory, represents the growing number of players participating in the women’s football championship. Launched in 2024, the championship has seen its player count soar from 80 to 600 across 10 teams, with the majority coming from Mogadishu and other regions of the country.
Ali Abdi Mohamed, the president of the Somali Football Federation, reflects on the significant progress: “No one could have imagined that one day Somali women would play football in their country.”Despite the conservative backdrop, Mohamed acknowledges that while not all parents allow their daughters to play, there have been no serious complaints.
Somalia’s fervent love for European football has been evident, yet local teams have been largely ignored. The nation is ranked 200th in FIFA’s men’s rankings and currently lacks representation from its women’s team, which is not listed by the international federation. However, the “Ocean Queens “are preparing for their first international tournament, an under-17s event in Tanzania scheduled for May.
Ramas Abdi Salah, a midfielder for the national team, emphasizes the sport’s acceptance: “For women to play football is not shameful or taboo, “she said wearing appropriate attire that covers most of her body, except for her face and hands. Goalkeeper Najma Ali Ahmed, despite a challenging match, remains committed to the team’s aspirations, encouraging other female footballers to strive for the national team.
Source: Africanews
