Chinese-backed program empowers women in Mogadishu

The over two decades conflict in Somalia has deprived many women of their husbands and economic lifelines, making them vulnerable as they were left behind to fend for their children and take a position in building their country.

But the quest to empower women with practical skills and entrepreneurship is gradually making a difference in the war-torn country.

The Somali National Women Organization (SNWO) in Mogadishu has attracted 100 women from various parts of the city to learn tailoring skills.

Thanks to a donation from the Chinese Embassy in Somalia in June, the organization is now helping women gain knowledge and skills on sewing with an ultimate goal to enable them start their own businesses.

"We teach them to use the sewing machine and train them on how they can later set up their small scale businesses upon which they are able to support their families," Anab Hassan Elmi, SNWO Deputy Director told Xinhua on Wednesday.

Elmi believes this would make a big change in lives of the most vulnerable Somali women.

"We register women mainly from internally displaced people's camp, those who are divorced and widows. This is one of the most vulnerable groups in the society; tasked with having to raise children on their own. But this training is going to empower them, to let them earn some income and support their families," said Elmi.

Elmi said she is grateful to the Chinese government for the generous donation which is now improving lives of many women and will make a change in the whole society.

"We are thankful for the generosity and thoughtfulness of the Chinese ambassador in Somalia for the donation which included office machines, computers, sewing machines and other office equipment," added Elmi.

The training which is offered free, takes six months and the first group of trainees have now completed three months and will graduate at the beginning of next year.

Some of the women expressed their delight for the free training which gives them a chance to earn their own income for the first time.

"I am a housewife with no job and I have to raise my children on my own. We only live on charity from organizations and individuals but right now I can see a bright future for my children. I can now sew with ease and in the coming three months I will be proficient enough," said Hareda Qanyare.

Another trainee, Mumino Abdi told Xinhua she hopes to get a job or start her own business so as to raise eight children on her own.

"I am a single mother of eight children.Previously without any skill but with this training, I can be able to earn some income for myself," noted Mumino.

Skill aquisition is critical in helping impoverished Somali women gain economic independence and contribute to the reconstruction of their homeland. Endit