The Somali women’s handball team is making remarkable progress despite facing numerous challenges in a country where cultural and societal barriers often limit opportunities for female athletes. These young women are determined to break down traditional norms and show that sports can be a path to empowerment and international recognition, even in a deeply patriarchal society.
The team is currently preparing to participate in the Africa Zone 5 women’s youth and junior tournaments, part of the International Handball Federation Trophy Africa event scheduled for May 2025 in Uganda. This opportunity marks a significant milestone for Somali women’s handball, showcasing their growing presence on the regional sports stage.
Training for the team takes place under difficult conditions in Mogadishu’s Boondheere district, where the dusty field they use is often dominated by male players. Equipment shortages are common, with many players sharing just a single set of clothing and shoes. The financial limitations of the team are clear: a pair of trainers costs about $35, an amount that many find difficult to afford. Despite these hardships, the players’ commitment remains unwavering.
The Somali Handball Federation, led by Mohamed Hurshe Hassan ‘Enow,’ has been instrumental in developing the sport in Somalia since 1991, recruiting both men’s and women’s teams even during times of civil unrest. The federation’s efforts to promote handball have helped unify parts of Mogadishu amid ongoing conflict. The women’s team, under the leadership of coach Fadumo Ali Abdirahman, has progressed from lower leagues, starting in Serie B and moving up to Serie A, demonstrating steady improvement and dedication.
Among the team’s rising stars is 17-year-old Fowsiya Nur Hassan Ali. Encouraged by her mother, Fowsiya joined the handball team in 2022 despite the cultural and societal challenges she faces as a female athlete in Somalia. Inspired by American NBA games she watched on YouTube, Fowsiya is passionate about sports but acknowledges that not everyone supports women playing. She says some people in her community do not want to see her succeed in sports because she is a woman. However, she remains focused and encourages others to come watch the team play, hoping that increased visibility will help change perceptions.
Handball offers a more accessible alternative to football, especially for young Somali women. Football requires more players and more equipment, while handball allows individuals to practice and develop skills even with fewer resources. Another player, 17-year-old Hodan Mohamud Abdullahi, explains that handball’s smaller team size allows her to play independently and focus on refining her skills.
Nasteho Mohamud Khamiis, another promising player, dreams of playing at the national level. She plans to compete with Heegan, a well-known Somali football club established under the Somali Police Force in the 1970s. Nasteho’s ambition reflects the growing desire among young Somali women to participate and succeed in sports, representing their country with pride.
Support for the Somali women’s handball team is growing, with local fans like Hassan Yusuf Abdullahi regularly attending matches and showing enthusiasm for the team’s progress. Hassan expresses pride in the achievements of the players and hopes the community will continue to back the women’s efforts. Coach Fadumo also appeals to fans to keep supporting the team by attending games and cheering on the players.
Despite their determination, the team faces ongoing threats from extremist groups such as Al-Shabaab, which oppose women’s participation in sports. For safety reasons, the players do not speak publicly about these threats but continue to pursue their passion quietly and carefully.
The Somali women’s handball team serves as a powerful example of resilience and hope for many young women across the country. They are not only breaking barriers in sports but also challenging societal norms and inspiring future generations to dream bigger and push for greater opportunities. Through their perseverance and dedication, these athletes are paving the way for a more inclusive future in Somali sports, where women can compete, succeed, and represent their nation on an international stage.
