Breaking Gender Barriers in Somali Fisheries Sector: Amal Abdirahman’s Story

Amal, serving as a data collector for Project Kalluun. She tells me her involvement has had quite an impact, and says, “Our team of four students manages data collection at Lido Beach in Mogadishu for the project Kaluun. During this experience, I gained valuable teamwork skills and acquired essential fishing information, supporting me in writing my university thesis.”

In her interviews, Amal highlights the significance of the data, emphasizing its role in assessing the country's fisheries, monitoring the status of different marine species, evaluating abundance, and identifying challenges. Her dedication to this cause is evident as she navigates the complexities of marine science, a field of study traditionally dominated by men. Amal says, “It’s worth noting that there are few women in marine science or the fishing sector,” showcasing her commitment to breaking gender barriers.

Following a standardized protocol, Amal's journey extends beyond theoretical knowledge as she actively applies her skills at the landing site. She reflects on the experience and says, “I learned about various fish types, seasonal observations at the landing site, and fish and other species status.” She also says she’s so grateful to One Earth Future and she appreciates the organization's excellent reputation in Somalia. The organization provided her with a unique opportunity to transition from student to skilled worker which will ultimately increase job opportunities available to her.

Amal's success story exemplifies the broader impact of effective fisheries management, contributing to prosperous and peaceful coastal communities. By fostering the next generation of Somali marine scientists and fishery officers. Programs like Secure Fisheries empower individuals like Amal to develop strategies for economically and ecologically sustainable fisheries.