Hargeisa, Somaliland – His Excellency Mohamed Ali Aw Abdi, Vice President of Somaliland, today presided over a historic graduation ceremony for 106 women educators at the National Teacher Training Institute—the institute’s first all-female graduating class.
Held at Maansoor Hotel in Hargeisa, the event marked a major stride toward gender inclusion in Somaliland’s education sector. The graduates, who completed a rigorous two-year training program, are now equipped to teach in communities across the country, with a particular focus on underserved areas.
In his keynote address, the Vice President hailed the cohort as pioneers in the country’s development:
“An educated woman is not only the light of her household; she is the foundation of a more just, prosperous, and resilient society.”
He also emphasized the strategic role of education in national unity and sovereignty, declaring that the true defense of the nation lies in classrooms—not battlefields.
The Vice President concluded with a strong commitment to women’s empowerment:
“These graduates are not just educators—they are a testament to what is possible when a nation invests in its women. The education and elevation of women is not optional; it is foundational.”
This milestone graduation underscores Somaliland’s broader efforts to build a more inclusive, equitable future through education.