Mogadishu, Somalia – In a historic step toward empowering women through education, the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Higher Education has launched a transformative Higher Education Scholarship Program dedicated exclusively to Somali women. The initiative, officiated by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, marks a major stride in the country’s ongoing efforts to advance gender equality and expand access to higher learning.
Under this new program, 150 fully funded Master’s scholarships will be awarded to outstanding female graduates from across the country. The initiative, anchored at the Somali National University in collaboration with several regional universities, is designed to cultivate women’s leadership in academia, governance, and development.
The scholarships will open doors for women to pursue advanced degrees in disciplines vital to Somalia’s progress—ranging from education and public administration to science, technology, and social development. Beyond academic training, the program also aims to foster mentorship and research opportunities that prepare women to become changemakers in their respective fields.
Education officials described the launch as a reflection of the government’s commitment to inclusive national growth and its recognition of women as central to rebuilding Somalia’s human capital. The ministry emphasized that empowering women through higher education will not only elevate their individual prospects but also strengthen families, communities, and institutions nationwide.
As the inaugural cohort prepares to embark on their studies, the program is already being hailed as a beacon of hope for young Somali women aspiring to break barriers and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s development. It stands as both a practical investment in Somalia’s future and a powerful symbol of the country’s belief in the transformative potential of education.