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In Dhobley, Somalia, a transformative mentorship program led by the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) Female Engagement Team (FET) is making strides in empowering young girls to overcome societal and educational challenges. The initiative, in collaboration with the Dhobley Women’s Association, is providing girls with essential resources and knowledge to stay in school and envision brighter futures.
Breaking Barriers to Education
Historically, many girls in Dhobley have faced significant challenges in pursuing education, particularly during menstruation. A lack of resources, societal stigma, and inadequate hygiene products forced many to miss school regularly.
However, the ATMIS mentorship program is addressing these barriers head-on. Over the past three years, the program has reached 270 girls at Dhobley Primary School, offering mentorship sessions on personal hygiene, self-care, and the management of menstrual health.
Fourteen-year-old Ilhan Jimcaale Abdi, a student at Dhobley Primary School, describes how the program has transformed her life. “Before the ATMIS program, we stayed at home during our periods and had a negative perception of education. Now, we attend school regularly. I can focus on my studies and dream about my future,” she says with newfound confidence.
Empowering Through Hygiene and Education
The mentorship program provides participants with hygiene kits containing sanitary pads, soap, and other essential items, along with education on managing their menstrual cycles. This practical support has significantly reduced absenteeism among girls, ensuring they can attend school without fear of embarrassment or discomfort.
“Through our mentorship and educational programs, we are not just providing hygiene kits but giving girls the confidence and knowledge to care for their health and pursue their dreams through education,” explains Captain Valarie Shikuku, ATMIS Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Gender Officer.
A Community-Driven Initiative
The collaboration between ATMIS FET and the Dhobley Women’s Association has fostered a supportive environment for girls and women in the local community. Fatima Abdi, chairperson of the Dhobley Women’s Association, highlights the program’s impact: “Last year, many girls returned to school with increased confidence. This year, even more girls are joining, knowing they won’t miss class because of menstruation.”
The mentorship program also aims to address the low enrollment rates for girls in Somalia’s Federal Member States (FMS) caused by social, economic, and cultural barriers.
Beyond Girls: Engaging the Community
Recognizing the importance of involving the broader community, the initiative extends its reach to boys as well. During a recent mentorship session commemorating World Children’s Day, mentors donated balls, football kits, and books to boys at Dhobley Primary School. These activities aimed to create awareness about girls’ rights to education and destigmatize menstruation.
Sadia Madobe, a teacher at Dhobley Primary School, expressed her gratitude for the program: “The ATMIS Female Engagement Team has empowered our students with valuable knowledge, enabling them to better care for themselves and pursue their education with confidence.”
A Vision for the Future
The mentorship program has ambitious goals, aiming to increase girls’ school enrollment, minimize dropouts, and enhance their transition to higher education. This vision includes boosting the number of women professionals in Somalia, fostering long-term economic empowerment, and creating a generation of girls and women equipped to lead and contribute to their communities.
As Ilhan and her peers continue to benefit from the program, the initiative is setting a precedent for how mentorship, education, and community support can transform lives and build a brighter future for Somalia.
By breaking down barriers to education and promoting gender equality, the ATMIS mentorship program is paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future for Somali girls and their communities.