Somaliland woman sits for exam after giving birth, emerges top

A Somaliland mother of 7 sat for the entrance examination at the University of Hargeisa just after giving birth to a child. The mother is strong and healthy now.

Somali women face many challenges in society that have different implications for their lives including education and decision making platforms whether cultural or political. Despite this, there are Somali women who are committed to achieving their goals in the face of these various challenges.

Sabad Mohamed is one of those Women. She is a mother of seven children. She had recently applied to study medicine at the University of Hargeisa but faced a difficult challenge. The entrance exam coincided with the period of her maternity, but she decided to sit for the exams after giving birth.

Sabad said that housework and other challenges would not stop her from studying and improving herself.

Surprisingly, Sabad emerged as one of the top students in the exam. Many Somali women believe that women cannot study or improve themselves when they get married, but Sabaad has a different view.

Mustafe Suudi, who is the Academic registrar of the University of Hargeisa said the story of this mother came as a huge surprise to him and university staff members.

Sabad Mohamed said her plan is not only to study but also to guide future generations by opening her own private school.