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For the first time in Somalia’s history, eleven women have officially graduated as military officers from the Türkiye-Somalia military academy in Mogadishu, marking a turning point for women in the country’s armed forces. The group completed three years of intense cadet training and earned commissions across the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Their success has been hailed as a powerful step forward for gender inclusion in Somalia’s defense sector.
During the graduation ceremony, Battalion Commander Jamal Hassan Ali described the achievement as an inspiring moment for the Somali National Army, praising the women for their discipline, courage, and perseverance. He emphasized that their journey represents not only personal triumph but also a broader national milestone, proving that Somali women can and should play an important role in defending their country.
The ceremony included a larger group of newly commissioned officers, both men and women, and was attended by Somali and Turkish officials. Military leaders highlighted that the inclusion of women is not just symbolic, but a real sign of progress in strengthening Somalia’s military institutions. They noted that having women officers expands the range of perspectives and skills in national service, while also advancing gender equality in a field traditionally dominated by men.
The Türkiye-Somalia military academy, commonly known as TURKSOM, was established in 2017 under a bilateral defense agreement between Somalia and Türkiye. Since its opening, the institution has grown into one of Somalia’s most important centers for military training, producing thousands of soldiers for the Somali National Army. Turkish military instructors lead the program, focusing on creating a professional, disciplined, and unified Somali force that is capable of handling the country’s security challenges.
TURKSOM graduates have already proven their value on the battlefield, playing key roles in frontline operations against Al-Shabaab militants. Their contributions have strengthened the Somali army’s ability to confront insurgency threats and have helped reduce Somalia’s dependence on foreign peacekeepers. By training officers who are well-prepared, motivated, and equipped to serve their country, the academy has become a cornerstone in Somalia’s broader efforts to reclaim stability and sovereignty.
The graduation of the eleven women officers is being celebrated not only as a military accomplishment but also as a cultural and social breakthrough. It demonstrates that Somali women are breaking barriers and claiming their place in spaces that were once closed to them. This achievement carries symbolic weight, showing future generations that national defense and leadership roles are open to all citizens regardless of gender.
For Somalia, which has faced decades of conflict and instability, this moment sends a strong message of resilience and progress. It reflects a growing determination to build a military that represents the whole nation and a society that values equal opportunity. For the women who graduated, their journey is a source of pride and inspiration, and for the Somali people, it is a sign of hope that the country is moving forward—one disciplined step at a time.