Global Women's Voices: Share Personal Stories

salma mohamed hadi, United States

Submitted by: salma

I’m from Somalia east Africa , I remember having wonderful life great childhood, until I was in arrange marriage, and then my life came to change: I was married at age 15, to my first cousin he brought me to the USA.



In 1989 I found my selves in a foreign land, the United States, as a result of being married to my crazy husband, I faced many obstacles as I found my selves at the realm of a new life. I came in with limited language skills and no formal education, with a lifetime of gender bias against me.

Although I was traumatized by abuse from my X husband, he rape me and physically betting me it was torture, I took no time to grieve. Instead, I went to work to contribute to my families here in the U.S. and those devastated by the civil war in Somalia, I tackle multiple tasks and preserve my cultural and religious obligations for my family. I’m raising 4 children alone as single mother; 3 boys and one girl my princess.



I have encountered difficult situations upon my arrival to a new land: An entirely different culture, the struggle of learning a new language, the cold weather, and a hectic lifestyle. These trials did not sway me from working as hard as I could to realize an opportunity never before known to me. my strength came from the need to bring stability to my family. The goal for me has always been to accomplish a decent living for my family here and abroad, one which I’m still working hard to achieve



The successes I have achieved are not without controversy. Some in the Somali community perceive the economic independence and personal freedom as detrimental to the Somali culture.
As these roles are traditionally held by men, I pay the ultimate price for my new position in society. There is a backlash and alienation by male counterparts who often associate my achievements as too aggressive and not conforming to traditional norms.
Although this lack of support from the males is disheartening, I keep moving forward. I hope to gain allies and approval from my community as a whole, as the community begins to realize the overall added value, of my hard work.


I’m only equipped with God-given mind, I will and ingenuity to survive, and the desire to have my family realize the American dream.

There were countless numbers of impediments against Somali women in America, the most prominent one being limited work experience and few job prospects.
In Somalia, a traditionally male dominated society, the women did not work outside the home. Even so, while finding themselves with many obstructions, I never gave up on my desires and goals to achieve.

Thank you.

updated: 4/7/2005 1:10:00 PM