Ikran Zakaria Mohamed © Courtesy of Save the Children
In Galkaio, Somalia, 19-year-old Ikran Zakaria Mohamed is preparing for a milestone—graduating high school. For her, this moment is the culmination of her determination to overcome barriers to education. Growing up in a family of 19, including 16 siblings, Ikran often juggled household responsibilities with her studies, a balancing act that overwhelmed her.
“Before I attended the Girl Shine training, I struggled to manage my high school assignments and the chores at home,” she said. “My days were filled with tasks that took time away from my studies.”
The turning point came when Ikran joined the Challenging Harmful Attitudes and Norms for Gender Equality and Empowerment in Somalia (CHANGES) project, a gender equality initiative funded by Global Affairs Canada and the Norwegian Embassy.
The CHANGES project, implemented by Save the Children in partnership with CARE and the International Rescue Committee, is a four-year initiative reaching 16 districts and 78 communities across Somalia. It addresses pervasive issues such as gender-based violence, including child marriage and female genital mutilation/cutting, and child marriage, targeting adolescents, caregivers and community leaders, to create a broader culture of equality and empowerment.
“Through the CHANGES Project, community leaders have transformed into advocates for gender equality, creating lasting change for girls and boys alike,” said Khadra Yusuf Jama, CHANGES Consortium Director.
Through the project’s Girl Shine training, Ikran learned about the importance of education for girls and recognized her potential as a role model.
“I’ve learned that girls can be heroes and serve as role models and public figures in their communities,” Ikran shared.
Her newfound confidence inspired her family to actively support her education. Her brothers, once hesitant, began sharing household chores. Her mother, Fahmo, also embraced the lessons from gender equality training, recognizing the value of collective responsibility.
“I encourage other Somali mothers to be fair when distributing household chores. Girls need time to focus on their education just as much as boys do,” Fahmo emphasized.
Changing Attitudes, One Household at a Time
The CHANGES project challenges harmful social norms to promote gender equality in Somalia. Ikran’s family has taken CHANGES in their stride, transforming their expectations to foster equality and respect. Even Ikran’s 18-year-old brother, Yahye, initially resistant to sharing chores, credits the Boys’ Wise training for shifting his perspective.
“It’s good to support your sister and other girls in the house by sharing chores,” Yahye explained. “It gives them time to study, do their homework, and even have the opportunity to attend school.”
Yahye’s willingness to participate in household duties, such as cooking and cleaning, has both lightened Ikran’s load and set an example for other boys in their community.
Fahmo, the family’s matriarch, was essential in reinforcing the training lessons. With 17 children—nine daughters and eight sons—she has consistently prioritized education for each child. She embraced a more equitable parenting style after participating in gender equality sessions.
“In my household, boys and girls share the house chores,” she said. “This belief stems from what I learned during the training, which taught me the importance of fairness and balance. This change has brought more harmony to our home.”
With her education and her family’s unwavering support, Ikran knows the future is bright for herself and other girls in her community.
“I want to share with other families the importance of equal responsibilities and supporting girls in their education. Parents should abandon the outdated mentality that shames boys for doing essential tasks,” Ikran urged. “It’s important to challenge traditional gender roles.”
Education plays a crucial role in preventing child marriage by empowering young girls with the knowledge, skills, opportunities, and confidence they need to make informed decisions about their futures and break the cycle of child marriage.
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