A Woman Of Firsts By Edna Adan Ismail, By HQ STORIES, 8 Aug 2019

Summary

Edna Aden Ismail, a nurse and midwife from Somaliland, shares her inspiring journey of overcoming challenges in a society where education for girls was once denied. Raised by a compassionate father, she was motivated to prove that education could empower women. After studying abroad in the UK, Edna returned to her home country, becoming a strong advocate against female genital mutilation (FGM). She reflects on the pride she feels in seeing women professionals in her operating theater, symbolizing the progress made in a society where education for women was once rare. Her story highlights the transformative power of education and advocacy.

Takeaways

• 😀 Edna Aden Ismail is a nurse, midwife, and a passionate advocate for education, hailing from the former British Somaliland protectorate.
• 😀 She grew up in a family with a dedicated father, who was a pioneer in healthcare in Somaliland and known as the 'father of healthcare' in the country.
• 😀 Despite the challenges of growing up in a region with limited educational opportunities for girls, Edna was sent to school in neighboring Djibouti, which greatly influenced her career and views on education.
• 😀 Her father’s commitment to healthcare inspired her, and she became an unofficial role model for educated girls, demonstrating that education could enhance, not dishonor, a family.
• 😀 Edna believes that everything starts with education, and without her ability to read, write, and study abroad, she would not have achieved her current success.
• 😀 In 1954, Edna moved to England at 17, where she faced significant cultural and language differences but used the opportunity to develop professionally and personally.
• 😀 She studied at the Borough Polytechnic (now the University of South Bank), which shaped her career and instilled a sense of discipline and responsibility that she carries to this day.
• 😀 Through her nursing and midwifery training, Edna was taught to aim for perfection, always doing things the right way and learning from both mentors and peers.
• 😀 Edna has been a vocal advocate against female genital mutilation (FGM), recognizing it as a difficult topic to address but essential due to its lifelong physical and emotional consequences.
• 😀 She emphasizes the importance of public discourse around FGM, revealing her personal experiences and encouraging others to speak out to break taboos and prevent harm.
• 😀 Edna is particularly proud of the professional women she has seen in the healthcare field in Somaliland, especially those who now contribute significantly to surgeries and medical care, illustrating how far women's education has come in a region where it was once restricted.

Q & A

What inspired Edna Aden Ismail to pursue a career in healthcare?

Edna Aden Ismail was inspired by her father, who was known as the father of healthcare in Somaliland. Growing up in a family with a dedicated and compassionate father, she admired his work, which influenced her career in nursing and midwifery.

What role did Edna's father play in healthcare in Somaliland?

Edna's father was the most senior Somali medical health professional in Somaliland and was often left in charge of regional hospitals, despite limited resources and staff. He was known for his dedication and compassion, and he had a significant impact on the healthcare system in the region.

How did Edna's education shape her career?

Edna's education, particularly her time spent studying in England, played a vital role in shaping her career. The experience taught her discipline, responsibility, and the importance of doing things properly, which became the foundation for her successful career in healthcare.

How did Edna feel when she first went to England?

Edna felt scared and overwhelmed when she first went to England at the age of 17. It was her first time living away from her parents and the culture, food, weather, and people were all very different from what she was used to in Somaliland.

What challenges did Edna face regarding education for girls in Somaliland?

In Somaliland, there were no schools for girls, so Edna had to go to neighboring Djibouti for her education. This was a challenge, but it also motivated her to prove that education for girls could have positive outcomes, despite some people's skepticism.

Why is Edna passionate about the campaign against female genital mutilation (FGM)?

Edna is passionate about the campaign against FGM because of her personal experiences and the emotional and physical consequences of the practice. As a midwife, she witnessed the damage caused by FGM and wanted to raise awareness and advocate for its end.

When did Edna first openly talk about FGM, and why was it significant?

Edna first openly talked about FGM in 1976 when a book brought attention to the issue. This was significant because it allowed her to express the revulsion she felt and gave her the courage to speak about a taboo topic, thereby contributing to the public debate around FGM.

What is Edna's stance on the practice of FGM?

Edna believes that FGM has no place in modern society and should be eradicated. She views it as a harmful practice that causes lifelong emotional and physical damage to women and girls, and she hopes her work will inspire others to join the campaign against it.

What is Edna's proudest professional achievement?

Edna's proudest professional achievement is seeing a team of female Somali professionals working together in her operating theater. These women, including a Somali female surgeon, assistant surgeon, anesthetist, and nurses, demonstrate the impact of education for women in a country where women’s access to education was once severely limited.

How does Edna view the progress of women in Somaliland's healthcare sector?

Edna is incredibly proud of the progress women have made in Somaliland's healthcare sector. She highlights the fact that Somali women are now successfully working in specialized roles such as surgery and anesthesia, which is a testament to the power of education and empowerment for women in the region.