Muna Ali Abdillahi's lifelong battle for Somali women's rights and justice
Muna Ali Abdillahi has indeed spent her life fighting for women's rights in Somalia and Somaliland. Since childhood, she has campaigned for gender equality, facing resistance and personal attacks along the way. Her journey began in war-torn Somalia before leading her to advocacy work in Somaliland's capital, Hargeisa.
Abdillahi's family fled Somalia's civil war in 1991, settling in Hargeisa. There, she trained at the Edna Adan Maternity Hospital, specialising in women's and children's health with a focus on combating female genital mutilation (FGM). Her father had always encouraged her to defend her rights, shaping her early determination.
She started in healthcare but soon shifted to advocacy, working with NGOs on youth education and women's issues. Over time, she became a gender expert, advising institutions like Somalia's Ministry of Education and managing projects funded by the World Bank. Her work centred on gender-based violence, FGM prevention, and empowering women in politics and economics.
Despite her efforts, Abdillahi faced backlash. Critics accused her of pushing Western values, and insults followed her campaigns. Yet she persisted, arguing that Somali women still lack basic rights, fair justice, and political representation. She believes their empowerment is key to lasting peace.
Her work unfolded against Somaliland's complex political backdrop. The region declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but went unrecognised by the UN or African Union for decades. In December 2025, Israel became the first country to formally recognise Somaliland, sparking outrage from Somalia's government and allies like Turkey. Somaliland responded by offering mineral rights and military bases to the US in exchange for recognition, but Washington declined. No other nations have followed Israel's lead.
Abdillahi's fight continues as Somali women still struggle for equality and justice. Her work highlights the need for political participation, economic opportunities, and stronger protections against violence. The region's unstable recognition adds another layer to her ongoing advocacy.
