Sagal Abdirizak
- Working for women in maritime since
- 2013
- WiMS National Action Plan launched
- 2023
- Women in Maritime Award
- 2025
Story by the UNODC Border Management Branch. Shared on the Ruweyda Technical Vocational Training Institute site.
Her story
She was told the ocean was not hers. She made it home.
Since 2013, Sagal Abdirizak has worked to open Somalia's maritime sector to women, in policy, in training and in the communities along the coast.
“There was a girl who once wrote me a letter. She lived in a coastal village and dreamed of working at the port. She watched ships come and go and imagined herself there. However, her family said no. Her community said no.”
Eventually, the girl gave up on her dream.
“I never even met her, but I remember every word. That is who I fight for. So, no girl has to bury her dream to please someone else's fear.”
2013
The work begins
Sagal starts advancing gender equality in maritime policy, training and community engagement.
2019
A national plan
She helps lead the development of Somalia's Women in Maritime Sector (WiMS) National Action Plan, the first of its kind.
2023
The plan launches
On 15 March 2023 the plan is launched: a national commitment to women as technical experts, managers and decision-makers.
2025
National recognition
On 18 May 2025 she is honoured for her contributions to gender inclusion in the maritime sector.
Skills to live with dignity
Sagal, a certified teacher, trained women displaced by conflict, drought and climate shocks. Alongside the practical skills, she taught how to stay safe in crowded places, how to resist early or forced marriage, and how to plan for a future not shaped by exploitation.
- Essential oils
- Henna
- Shampoo
- Sewing
- Dyeing Somali dresses
- Growing herbs to sell
The same skills RTVTI teaches today.
“We equipped them with vocational skills not just to survive, but to live with dignity.”
“Some of my students have now opened their own beauty salons. They are independent. They are proud. Moreover, I am proud of them.”
“I do not want to be the only woman in the room. I want to hold the door open so others can walk through without fear.”
Story by the UNODC Border Management Branch
Questions people ask us
Sagal Abdirizak is the Gender Focal Point, Ministry of Ports and Maritime Transport, Federal Government of Somalia. Since 2013, Sagal Abdirizak has worked to open Somalia's maritime sector to women, in policy, in training and in the communities along the coast.
Somalia's first national plan for women in the maritime sector. Sagal Abdirizak helped lead its development from 2019, and it was launched on 15 March 2023 as a national commitment to women as technical experts, managers and decision-makers.
The Women in Maritime Award 2025. On 18 May 2025, the International Day for Women in Maritime, Women in Maritime Sector Somalia (WiMS) honoured her in Mogadishu for her contributions to gender inclusion in the maritime sector.
Essential oils, Henna, Shampoo, Sewing, Dyeing Somali dresses, Growing herbs to sell. As a certified teacher, she trained women displaced by conflict, drought and climate shocks, and also taught them how to stay safe, resist early or forced marriage and plan for their future.
From "She Was Told the Ocean Was not Hers. She Made It Home.", a story by the UNODC Border Management Branch. Her quotes on this page are word for word from it.
- Beauty Salon
- Tailoring
- Tie and Dye
- Plumbing
- Fish Nets
- Packaging
- Decorations
- Charcoal Making
- Homemade Shampoo and Soap