Born: 1937 (Hargeisa, British Somaliland)
Biography:
Edna Adan Ismail is a prominent figure in Somali society, known for her tireless efforts in the fields of nursing, midwifery, activism, and politics. Born on September 8, 1937, in Hargeisa, British Somaliland, she was raised in a family that valued education and healthcare. Her father, a distinguished Somali medical doctor, instilled in her a deep sense of compassion and a desire to help others.
Growing up in a time when girls in Somaliland were not given the opportunity to be educated, Ismail’s father hired a tutor for some local boys, and she seized the chance to learn alongside them. This early exposure to education ignited her passion for learning and set her on a path of knowledge and empowerment.
At the age of eight, Ismail underwent female genital mutilation (FGM), a traumatic experience arranged by her mother and grandmother while her father was away. When he returned and discovered what had been done to his daughter, he was furious. Determined to protect other girls from experiencing the same ordeal, Ismail resolved to dedicate her life to promoting women’s rights and fighting against FGM.
Driven by her desire to make a difference, Ismail left Somaliland to pursue her nursing and midwifery training in the United Kingdom, specifically at the Borough Polytechnic (now known as London South Bank University). She became the first qualified nurse-midwife from Somaliland and garnered the title of the first Somali girl to study in Britain.
In 1967, Ismail married Mohamed Haji Ibrahim Egal, a Somali politician who would later become the Prime Minister of Somalia. Ismail’s marriage to Egal did not hinder her progress; instead, it provided her with a platform to make a difference at a higher political level. Her strong advocacy for women’s rights enabled her to become the first female Foreign Minister of Somaliland from 2003 to 2006. Prior to this, she served as Somaliland’s Minister of Family Welfare and Social Development.
While Ismail’s political achievements are notable, it is her work in healthcare that truly showcases her unwavering dedication. In 1980, she began the construction of a hospital in Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland. However, due to the outbreak of the Somali Civil War in 1981, she was forced to flee the country. Undeterred, Ismail returned to Somaliland years later and built the Edna Adan Maternity Hospital from scratch.
The opening of the Edna Adan Maternity Hospital on March 9, 2002, marked a significant milestone in the provision of maternal and child healthcare services in Somaliland. Located on land donated by the regional government, Ismail transformed a former rubbish dump into a state-of-the-art medical facility. Amid the devastation caused by the civil war, the hospital represented hope and healing for the people of Somaliland.
Recognizing the severe shortage of trained nurses in the region, Ismail took it upon herself to train a new generation of healthcare professionals. In 2000, she began the recruitment and training of over 30 candidates, ensuring that the hospital would be staffed with competent and compassionate individuals. This initiative not only addressed the immediate healthcare needs but also empowered local women with valuable skills and employment opportunities.
In addition to her work in healthcare and politics, Ismail has been at the forefront of the fight against female genital mutilation. She has been a tireless advocate for the rights of women and girls, tirelessly raising awareness about the physical and psychological harm caused by this practice. As the President of the Organization for Victims of Torture, she continues to make significant strides in ensuring the abolition of FGM and promoting gender equality.
Edna Adan Ismail’s contributions extend far beyond the borders of Somaliland. Her work has had a profound impact on women’s rights, healthcare, and the overall development of Somali society. She has received recognition and accolades for her unwavering dedication, including being honored as a UN Person of the Year by the United Nations Population Fund and receiving the Women’s Creativity in Rural Life Prize from the Women’s World Summit Foundation.
Through her perseverance, compassion, and dedication, Edna Adan Ismail has become a symbol of hope, serving as an inspiration for countless individuals around the world. Her legacy is one of empowerment, equality, and a profound belief in the innate strength and potential of every woman.
Awards:
– UN Person of the Year, United Nations Population Fund
– Women’s Creativity in Rural Life Prize, Women’s World Summit Foundation