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Female soldiers join the army ranks in Somalia

29 May 2014 02:11 (UTC +04:00)

Baku-APA. With an AK47 automatic rifle slung over her shoulder, Naeemo Abdi frisks people coming into a Mogadishu police station, APA reports quoting Associated Press.

When she holds back a man who tried to enter unchecked, he scowls at her and barks: "Woman and soldier?"

She did not respond but directed the man to the security checkpoint.

It's unusual to see a female in the military in traditionally conservative Somali society where women's duties are generally at home and limited to family chores. But Abdi and other determined women are breaking down those barriers. About 1,500 females are now in the military of 20,000, according to estimates.

The lean 25-year-old Abdi explains that she has endured many challenges joining the army two years ago. She moved from a conventional domestic role as a wife and mother of three to work in the army because she liked the prestige. She said she faced massive opposition from her spouse and family who thought she'd be cast off should she decide to become a soldier.

"It was difficult, but I must do this to serve my country unreservedly," she said.

Her work as a soldier receives mixed reactions from her fellow Somalis. A few approve, but many think women should not be in the military.

"Gender is not boundary," said Abdi, tightening her bootlaces. "If committed, women can work far better than men."

At work they often wear camouflage trouser uniforms, boots and bright blue or purple headscarves topped by a beret with the military's insignia. At other times they wear long skirts to observe Islamic dress codes. They also often carry heavy backpacks.