A Mother, an Officer, a Pioneer
At 37 years old, Aisha (not real name) is redefining what is possible for women in Somalia's security sector. A dedicated officer of the Somali Police Force (SPF), a mother of four, and an expectant mother, she has successfully balanced family responsibilities with a demanding career in explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) — a field traditionally dominated by men.
"The skills I gained have been invaluable — not only in my professional role, but also in my daily life and community." — Aisha, SPF EOD Officer
Breaking Down Barriers
Since joining the SPF in 2016 and the EOD sector in 2017, Aisha has witnessed firsthand the barriers that often limit women's participation in specialized security roles, including limited awareness of career opportunities, gender stereotypes, and a lack of female representation. Determined to challenge these perceptions, she embraced every opportunity to develop her skills and demonstrate that women can make meaningful contributions to mine action and public safety.
Through the support of the Japan-funded project, female officers like her were encouraged to participate in professional development programmes, creating pathways for greater inclusion and representation within the sector.
A defining milestone in her journey was her 45-day specialized course in Jordan, funded by the UK government. It equipped her with advanced technical knowledge and instructional skills, establishing a strong base of expertise. Building on this, Aisha went on to participate in the project’s EOD/IEDD Training.
Aisha credits the project with expanding not just her technical skills, but her confidence — knowledge she now draws on both professionally and in her daily life and community. Throughout her journey, she has felt supported and included by her colleagues and leadership, a reminder that opportunity alone is not enough: women also need an environment where they are genuinely welcomed to thrive.
A Role Model for the Next Generation
Today, Aisha’s story stands as a powerful testament to the transformative impact of investing in women's participation in security-sector and mine-action training. When women are given equal access to training, mentorship, and leadership opportunities, they become agents of change who strengthen both institutions and communities.
She is now helping build a more capable SPF while serving as a role model for other women considering careers in specialized security fields. She believes continued awareness-raising is essential to encourage more women to pursue such opportunities. As she prepares to welcome another child into her family, Aisha continues to inspire others through her resilience, dedication, and commitment to service — demonstrating that empowering women is not only a matter of equality, but a strategic investment in a safer, more secure Somalia.
Project Summary
Somalia continues to face significant security challenges from improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and explosive remnants of war, which threaten civilians, impede stabilization efforts, and affect the effectiveness of security institutions. To strengthen national response capabilities, UNOPS works in partnership with UNMAS to support the SPF through targeted EOD and IEDD capacity-development initiatives, enhancing the force's ability to safely and effectively address explosive threats. This vital programme, made possible through the dedicated support of the Government of Japan, has significantly elevated the tactical readiness and self-reliance of local personnel. By equipping officers with advanced, life-saving technical skills, the partnership directly strengthens frontline resilience and plays a transformative role in restoring peace and public safety across the country.
A cornerstone of this work is a co-delivery training model in which national SPF instructors lead courses entirely in the Somali language, with UNOPS providing high-level technical mentorship funded through UNMAS. This approach reinforces institutional ownership and ensures the long-term sustainability of internal police training pipelines. Through realistic, hands-on field exercises and immersive, scenario-based training, participants have significantly strengthened their practical skills and operational knowledge, achieving crucial milestones in building the technical capacity and operational independence of local police.
Delivering complex technical terminology in the Somali language has required continuous adaptation of training materials and visual aids, and additional practical mentoring has been needed for advanced equipment handling, such as Remotely Operated Vehicle and Hook and Line procedures — lessons that are now factored into the planning of future courses. By strengthening local instructor capacity and supporting nationally led training delivery, UNOPS, in partnership with UNMAS, continues to foster sustainable, independent explosive hazard management capabilities within the SPF, with continued mentorship and regular refresher training critical to sustaining these standards over the long term.
